Overview
Have you ever considered making the switch to solar energy in Rice Lake, Wisconsin? With our analysis of the weather data and electricity costs in your area, you may be surprised at how quickly you can start saving money by installing solar panels on your home. By breaking down the costs of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, this article will show you the financial benefits of going solar in Rice Lake.
Rice Lake Wisconsin Weather Trends
Rice Lake Precipitation
With Rice Lake Wisconsin receiving 43.87 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area is no stranger to rainy weather. However, this puts Rice Lake below the national average of 50.61 inches, making it a relatively drier location compared to the rest of the country. When compared to Wisconsin’s average of 40.57 inches, Rice Lake falls above the state average, indicating a slightly wetter climate locally.
Rice Lake’s UV Rating
Considering Rice Lake Wisconsin’s average UV rating of 3.36 in the last year, it is evident that the area experiences moderate levels of ultraviolet radiation. While this places Rice Lake below the national average of 4.29, it is slightly higher than Wisconsin’s average of 3.51. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 3.57, Rice Lake remains below the national average of 4.61 but falls just above the state average of 3.7.
Rice Lake’s Cloud Cover
Over the last year, Rice Lake Wisconsin maintained an average cloud cover of 51%. This puts Rice Lake above the national average of 44.46% but slightly below Wisconsin’s average of 49.97%. With a breakdown of 81 days with minimal cloud cover, 101 days with moderate cloud cover, 90 days with significant cloud cover, and 92 days with overcast conditions, Rice Lake experiences a variety of cloud cover throughout the year.
Rice Lake Wisconsin Electricity Costs
Residents of Rice Lake, Wisconsin, benefit from a relatively low electricity cost of about $0.13/kw. This places Rice Lake above the national average but below the state average, making it a cost-effective location for electricity consumption. With the potential to generate solar power and reduce reliance on traditional energy sources, residents can further lower their electricity costs and contribute to the environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Rice Lake Wisconsin?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Rice Lake, 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:
- Rice Lake gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Rice Lake are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Rice Lake is slightly higher than the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Rice Lake pay the national average price for electricity, making it a good cost-saving option to switch to solar panels.
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 amount needed from the grid and saving on electricity costs.
- Given Rice Lake’s average electricity rates, the savings will add up over time.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take about 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Rice Lake. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to compensate for the investment. And with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, there will be significant long-term savings and benefits for residents investing in solar energy.
Investing in solar power in Rice Lake Wisconsin
Switching to solar energy in Rice Lake, Wisconsin can be a smart financial decision. With lower than average precipitation, moderate UV ratings, and slightly higher cloud cover, Rice Lake offers a good environment for solar panels. Additionally, with electricity costs below the national average, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in about 6-7 years. This means that long-term savings and benefits await those who choose to go solar in Rice Lake, making it a worthwhile choice for homeowners looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact.