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Solar and Electricity Data for Bloomington, ID: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Bloomington, ID at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.1/10 4.3/10 8.9/10 0.5/10 1.6/10
Not Bad 46% daily 2 inches monthly 3.1 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Discover how installing solar panels on your Bloomington Idaho home can save you money on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Bloomington, 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. With average annual sunlight levels, low precipitation, and moderate cloud cover, solar energy is a viable option for reducing your monthly expenses and increasing your home’s value.

Bloomington Idaho Weather Trends

Bloomington Precipitation

With Bloomington Idaho receiving only 29.37 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area is fairly dry compared to the national average of 50.61 inches. In comparison to the rest of Idaho, Bloomington’s precipitation levels are slightly lower than the state average of 34.83 inches. This lower precipitation level means less weather-related disruptions to your solar energy production, making it a reliable investment for your home.

Bloomington’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 3.1 in the last year, Bloomington Idaho is in the 5th percentile in the nation. While this may seem low, it actually indicates a moderate amount of sunlight that is perfect for solar energy production. Comparing to the national average of 4.29, Bloomington’s slightly lower UV rating is still conducive to generating solar power. By harnessing the sun’s energy, you can reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources.

Bloomington’s Cloud Cover

In the last year, Bloomington Idaho had an average cloud cover of 46%, placing it in the 57th percentile in the nation. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Idaho’s average of 44.04%, Bloomington experiences slightly more cloud cover. However, with a significant number of days with minimal cloud cover, there are plenty of opportunities for your solar panels to soak up the sun’s rays and generate clean energy for your home.

Bloomington Idaho Electricity Costs

Residents of Bloomington Idaho pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, which is below the national average of $0.13/kw. Although this puts Bloomington in the 16th percentile in the nation, it is important to note that the state average is also $0.1/kw. By investing in solar panels for your home, you can offset your electricity costs and potentially even generate excess energy to sell back to the grid, ultimately saving you money in the long run.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bloomington Idaho?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bloomington 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:

  • Bloomington Idaho receives less precipitation than the national average, creating favorable conditions for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Bloomington Idaho are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Bloomington Idaho is close to the national average, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Bloomington Idaho pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making the savings from solar power slightly lower.

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 Bloomington Idaho’s lower electricity rates, the savings might take a bit longer to cover the initial cost.

After analyzing the data, it seems like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Bloomington Idaho. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to outweigh the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years. It’s a wise investment that not only saves money but also contributes to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in Bloomington Idaho

Installing solar panels on your Bloomington Idaho home can have a significant impact on your monthly expenses and overall home value. With favorable weather conditions for solar energy production and lower-than-average electricity costs in the area, investing in solar power is a smart choice. By breaking even on your initial investment in around 7-8 years, you can enjoy long-term savings and reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also be contributing to a greener environment by harnessing the power of the sun. Consider the benefits of solar energy for your home today!