Overview
Living in Bernard, Iowa, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. With favorable weather conditions that include an average of 42 inches of precipitation, a high average max UV rating, a good average UV rating, and a relatively low average of 47% cloud cover throughout the year, solar energy production is highly efficient in this area. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even based on local data, residents can see the long-term benefits of making the switch to solar energy.
Bernard Iowa Weather Trends
Bernard Precipitation
With 40.71 inches of precipitation in the last year, Bernard, Iowa may not see as much rain as other parts of the country, but it still ranks in the 91st percentile in Iowa. This means that despite receiving less rain than the national average of 50.61 inches, Bernard’s weather conditions are suitable for efficient solar energy production. Investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial savings over time, especially with the higher costs of electricity in the area.
Bernard’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.7, Bernard, Iowa ranks in the 2nd percentile in the state and 30th percentile in the nation. While the UV rating may be lower compared to other regions, the consistent UV exposure in Bernard makes it an ideal location for solar panel installation. This means that residents can expect higher energy production and savings on their electricity bills compared to other areas with lower UV ratings.
Bernard’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 48% cloud cover, Bernard, Iowa ranks in the 98th percentile in the state and 68th percentile in the nation. This means that residents can benefit from more sunny days throughout the year, perfect for maximizing solar energy production. With 97 days of minimal cloud cover, investing in solar panels in Bernard is a reliable way to harness the abundant sunlight and reduce reliance on traditional electricity sources.
Bernard Iowa Electricity Costs
Residents in Bernard, Iowa pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, placing them in the 85th percentile in the state and 90th percentile in the nation. Despite being slightly higher than the national average of $0.13/kw, the cost of electricity in Bernard is still reasonable. By switching to solar energy, residents can mitigate the impact of potential future electricity rate increases and lock in long-term savings on their energy bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bernard Iowa?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bernard Iowa, 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:
- Bernard Iowa receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Bernard Iowa are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Bernard Iowa is slightly higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Bernard Iowa pay a bit 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.
- Given Bernard Iowa’s higher electricity rates, the savings will be significant.
After analyzing the numbers, it seems that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to outweigh the investment. Furthermore, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, these savings will continue for many years to come. Investing in solar power is a wise way to save money and contribute to a greener future!
Investing in solar power in Bernard Iowa
Installing solar panels in Bernard, Iowa can lead to significant financial savings over time due to the favorable weather conditions and higher electricity costs in the area. With abundant sunlight, efficient solar energy production is possible, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar power. By calculating the time it would take to break even on the initial investment in solar panels, residents can see the long-term benefits of switching to renewable energy sources. Ultimately, investing in solar power not only helps save money on electricity bills but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.