Overview
Are you a resident of Athol, Idaho looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By analyzing weather data specific to Athol, including inches of precipitation, average UV ratings, and percentage of cloud cover, we have determined that your area receives ample sunlight for solar energy production. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Athol Idaho Weather Trends
Athol Precipitation
With 38.56 inches of precipitation in the last year, Athol Idaho is in a good position for solar energy production despite being in the 25th percentile in the nation and the 60th percentile in Idaho in terms of total precipitation. While the national average stands at 50.61 inches, Idaho’s average is slightly lower at 34.83 inches. The lower levels of precipitation in Athol mean less interference with sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Athol’s UV Rating
Athol Idaho’s average UV rating of 3.36, which is in the 13th percentile in the nation and the 39th percentile in Idaho, may seem modest compared to other locations. However, the national average of 4.29 and Idaho’s average of 3.63 shows that Athol still receives a decent amount of sunlight. With an average max UV rating of 3.73, Athol is in a good spot to harness solar energy effectively, even though it falls below the national and state averages.
Athol’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 51%, which places Athol in the 77th percentile in the nation and the 84th percentile in Idaho, the city experiences a considerable number of clear days suitable for solar energy production. With 113 days of low cloud cover and only 119 days of high cloud cover in the last year, Athol provides ample opportunities for sunlight to reach solar panels and generate electricity efficiently.
Athol Idaho Electricity Costs
At $0.1/kw for electricity, Athol Idaho residents enjoy lower electricity costs compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. While this places Athol in the 16th percentile in the nation, it sits at the 90th percentile in Idaho, indicating that residents are already benefiting from relatively affordable electricity rates. By installing solar panels, residents can further reduce their energy expenses and gain more control over their electricity bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Athol Idaho?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Athol, Idaho, 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:
- Athol, Idaho receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar power generation.
- The UV ratings in Athol, Idaho are slightly lower than the national average, but still favorable for solar panel efficiency.
- Cloud cover in Athol, Idaho is slightly higher than the national average, but there are still plenty of sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Athol, Idaho pay slightly lower than the national average for electricity, making solar power investment even more attractive.
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 from the grid.
- With Athol’s electricity rates, the savings will add up over time.
After running the numbers, it’s estimated that it would take around 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Considering that solar panels last for decades, the long-term savings and benefits are substantial. Investing in solar power is a smart financial and environmental decision for residents of Athol, Idaho.
Investing in solar power in Athol Idaho
Installing solar panels in Athol, Idaho can be a cost-effective way to save money on electricity bills in the long run. With ample sunlight for energy production, lower precipitation levels, and affordable electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels within 4-6 years. By taking advantage of the favorable weather conditions and financial benefits, residents of Athol can enjoy both immediate and long-term savings by switching to solar power.