Overview
If you live in Spooner, Wisconsin, you may be wondering if installing solar panels on your home is worth the investment. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to our area, we can show you the financial benefits of going solar. With an average of 15 inches of precipitation, a high average max UV rating, a moderate average UV rating, and a relatively low average percentage of cloud cover over the course of a year, Spooner is a great location for harnessing the power of the sun. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, we aim to demonstrate how going solar can save you money in the long run.
Spooner Wisconsin Weather Trends
Spooner Precipitation
With an annual precipitation rate of 38.39 inches, Spooner Wisconsin is in the 24th percentile nationally and the 37th percentile within the state. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Spooner receives less rainfall. This means that the sun is more accessible for longer periods, making solar panel installation a viable option for harnessing renewable energy.
Spooner’s UV Rating
At an average UV rating of 3.36, Spooner ranks in the 13th percentile nationally and the 24th percentile within Wisconsin. While this may indicate slightly lower UV exposure compared to other locations, Spooner still receives enough sunlight to generate solar power efficiently. With an average max UV rating of 3.57, Spooner continues to be a suitable location for solar energy production.
Spooner’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 51%, which is higher than the national average of 44.46%, Spooner Wisconsin experiences a good balance of sunny and cloudy days throughout the year. With 84 days of minimal cloud cover and a total of 364 days in a year, there are plenty of opportunities to generate solar energy efficiently. This variability in cloud cover can benefit your solar panel system.
Spooner Wisconsin Electricity Costs
With residential electricity costs at $0.14/kw, Spooner falls within the 85th percentile nationally and the 60th percentile within Wisconsin. While this cost is slightly higher than the national average of $0.13/kw, investing in solar panels can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bills over time. By utilizing solar energy, Spooner residents can save money and help reduce their carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Spooner Wisconsin?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Spooner Wisconsin, let’s break down the investment in solar panels and see how long it would take to make up the initial cost.
First, let’s look at the weather data:
- Spooner Wisconsin receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Spooner Wisconsin are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Spooner Wisconsin is slightly higher than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Spooner Wisconsin pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average.
With this information, let’s break down the costs:
- A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000.
- This system is expected to last between 25 and 30 years.
To find out how long it would take to break even on this investment, we need to calculate the annual savings from using solar power. Here’s how:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase as much from the grid.
- Given Spooner Wisconsin’s higher electricity rates, the savings generated by solar power are even more significant.
After analyzing the data and expenses, it appears that it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Spooner Wisconsin. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is a wise decision both economically and environmentally.
Investing in solar power in Spooner Wisconsin
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Spooner, Wisconsin, it is evident that installing solar panels on your home can be a worthwhile investment. With lower precipitation rates, moderate UV ratings, and a good balance of sunny and cloudy days, Spooner provides a suitable environment for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, despite slightly higher electricity costs in the area, the savings generated by utilizing solar power can help offset the initial investment in approximately 5-6 years. Not only will solar panels save you money in the long run, but they will also contribute to reducing your carbon footprint. Considering these factors, going solar in Spooner, Wisconsin is a beneficial choice for both your wallet and the environment.