Overview
Discover the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your Bloomington Indiana home. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we will show you how a solar system can help you save money in the long run. Find out more about the cost breakdown and estimated time to break even, so you can make an informed decision about going solar.
Bloomington Indiana Weather Trends
Bloomington Precipitation
With Bloomington Indiana receiving 54.67 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the city experiences a fair amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Bloomington is slightly above average. However, when looking at Indiana as a whole, Bloomington is above the state average of 50.24 inches. Despite the higher precipitation levels, solar panels can still be a valuable investment for Bloomington residents.
Bloomington’s UV Rating
When it comes to UV ratings, Bloomington Indiana had an average rating of 4.16, which is slightly below the national average of 4.29. However, compared to the state average of 4.23, Bloomington is not far behind. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 4.56, Bloomington is in line with the national average of 4.61 and above the state average of 4.53. This means there is plenty of sunlight available for solar panels to generate energy efficiently.
Bloomington’s Cloud Cover
Bloomington Indiana experienced an average of 47% cloud cover in the last year, which is higher than both the national average of 44.46% and the state average of 47.27%. Despite this, Bloomington had a good distribution of cloud cover throughout the year, with a mix of clear and cloudy days. This variability can actually benefit solar panel performance by allowing for some sunny days for efficient energy generation.
Bloomington Indiana Electricity Costs
Residents of Bloomington Indiana pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, which is slightly higher than the national average of $0.13/kw. However, this cost still falls within a reasonable range and is comparable to the state average of $0.13/kw. By installing solar panels, Bloomington residents can offset some of these electricity costs and potentially even save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bloomington Indiana?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bloomington Indiana, 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 Indiana receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to work efficiently.
- The UV ratings in Bloomington are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Bloomington is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Bloomington Indiana pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average.
With this information, let’s break down the costs:
- A standard 10kW solar system 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- With Bloomington’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are even greater.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. Investing in solar panels is a smart way to save money and contribute to a greener future.
Investing in solar power in Bloomington Indiana
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Bloomington Indiana, it is clear that investing in solar panels can be a wise financial decision for residents. Despite slightly higher precipitation levels, Bloomington still receives enough sunlight for efficient energy generation. With electricity costs in the area falling within a reasonable range, the potential savings from using solar power are significant. By considering all these factors, it is estimated that it would take around 8 years to break even on the initial investment in solar panels. This means that residents can start enjoying savings on their electricity bills in the long run, while also contributing to a more sustainable future. Installing solar panels in Bloomington Indiana is not just an environmentally friendly choice, but also a financially savvy one.