Overview
In Oshkosh, Wisconsin, harnessing the power of the sun through solar panels can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can show how investing in a solar system can help you break even and start saving money on your energy bills. Let’s explore the benefits of going solar in Oshkosh and how it can positively impact your wallet in the long run.
Oshkosh Wisconsin Weather Trends
Oshkosh Precipitation
With Oshkosh receiving 42.81 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is important to note that this puts the city in the 33rd percentile in the nation and the 76th percentile in Wisconsin. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Wisconsin’s average of 40.57 inches, Oshkosh’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Oshkosh’s UV Rating
Considering Oshkosh’s average UV rating of 3.5 in the last year, it falls in the 19th percentile in the nation and the 46th percentile in Wisconsin. While the national average for UV rating is 4.29, and Wisconsin’s average is 3.51, Oshkosh’s slightly lower UV rating should not deter residents from taking advantage of solar energy, as the city still receives a good amount of sunlight.
Oshkosh’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 48% cloud cover in the last year, Oshkosh is in the 67th percentile in the nation and the 38th percentile in Wisconsin. Comparing this to the national average of 44.46% and Wisconsin’s average of 49.97%, Oshkosh experiences a relatively moderate amount of cloud cover, providing ample opportunities for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.
Oshkosh Wisconsin Electricity Costs
At approximately $0.14/kw for electricity, Oshkosh residents are paying more than the national average of $0.13/kw but on par with Wisconsin’s average of $0.14/kw. Despite being in the 85th percentile in the nation and the 59th percentile in Wisconsin in terms of electricity costs, investing in solar panels can help Oshkosh residents save money in the long run and reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Oshkosh Wisconsin?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Oshkosh, 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:
- Oshkosh receives slightly less rainfall than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Oshkosh are lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Oshkosh is slightly higher than the national average, with days varying in cloudiness throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents of Oshkosh 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 amount needed from the grid.
- With Oshkosh’s slightly higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are even more significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, these savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is a wise choice to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Oshkosh Wisconsin
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial benefits. With lower precipitation levels, moderate cloud cover, and suitable UV ratings, Oshkosh is an ideal location for solar panel installation. Despite slightly higher electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their solar investment in about 6 years. This initial cost will be offset by long-term savings on energy bills, making solar panels a smart choice for saving money and supporting a cleaner environment in the long run.