Overview
In Ashland, Wisconsin, installing solar panels on your home can help you save money on electricity costs in the long run. By analyzing weather data over the course of a year, we can see that Ashland receives a good amount of sunlight, making it a great location for solar energy production. With the cost of a solar system broken down and the estimated time it would take to break even, it is clear that investing in solar panels can be a financially wise decision for Ashland residents.
Ashland Wisconsin Weather Trends
Ashland Precipitation
In the last year, Ashland, Wisconsin received 49.39 inches of precipitation, which is slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the rest of Wisconsin, Ashland ranks significantly higher, falling within the 98th percentile. This means that despite the slightly lower overall precipitation, Ashland still sees a considerable amount of rain throughout the year.
Ashland’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 2.96, Ashland, Wisconsin falls in the 2nd percentile nationwide but ranks at the top in Wisconsin at the 1st percentile. Although the UV rating is lower compared to the national average of 4.29, it is important to note that Ashland also experiences an average max UV rating of 3.07, putting it in the 9th percentile nationally and the 5th percentile within Wisconsin. This indicates that Ashland receives a moderate amount of sunlight, making it suitable for solar energy production.
Ashland’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Ashland, Wisconsin had an average cloud cover of 59%, which is well above the national average of 44.46%. While this may seem high, Ashland also had a variety of days with different levels of cloud cover, providing opportunities for sufficient sunlight for solar panels. Despite the high cloud cover percentage, Ashland’s location still allows for adequate sunlight for solar energy production.
Ashland Wisconsin Electricity Costs
Residents of Ashland, Wisconsin pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, which is on par with the national average. However, when compared to the rest of Wisconsin, Ashland falls below the state average of $0.14/kw. This means that Ashland residents have the opportunity to save even more money on electricity costs by investing in solar panels for their homes, given the favorable weather conditions for solar energy production in the area.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Ashland Wisconsin?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Ashland 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:
- Ashland Wisconsin receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panel installation.
- The UV ratings in Ashland Wisconsin are lower than the national average but are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Ashland Wisconsin is slightly higher than the national average but varies throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Ashland Wisconsin pay about the same 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 the average electricity costs in Ashland Wisconsin, the savings will add up over time.
After evaluating the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. It’s a wise financial and environmental decision!
Investing in solar power in Ashland Wisconsin
Overall, installing solar panels in Ashland, Wisconsin is a smart choice for residents looking to save money on their electricity costs. With the ample sunlight the area receives, along with electricity costs on par with the national average, investing in solar energy can help you break even on the initial cost in just 6 years. Not only is it financially beneficial, but it also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Making the switch to solar power in Ashland is a decision that pays off in the long run.