Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Brighton, IA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Brighton, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.3/10 4.5/10 8.2/10 4.7/10 9.1/10
Pretty Good 45% daily 3 inches monthly 4 on average 0.15/kw

Overview

Are you a Brighton Iowa resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a cost-effective solution for you. By analyzing weather data specific to Brighton Iowa and breaking down the cost of a solar system, we will show you how quickly you can start saving money and recoup your initial investment. With the financial benefits of solar energy, you can enjoy lower electricity bills and a more sustainable lifestyle.

Brighton Iowa Weather Trends

Brighton Precipitation

With Brighton Iowa receiving 34.59 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is in the 18th percentile in the nation and the 30th percentile in Iowa. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches, Brighton experiences less rainfall which is beneficial for solar panel performance.

Brighton’s UV Rating

Having an average UV rating of 4.04 places Brighton in the 47th percentile in the nation and the 54th percentile in Iowa. When looking at the national average of 4.29 and Iowa’s average of 4.06, Brighton’s UV rating is slightly lower. However, with an average max UV rating of 4.4, Brighton has sufficient sunlight to generate solar energy.

Brighton’s Cloud Cover

Throughout the last year, Brighton Iowa experienced an average cloud cover of 45%, placing it in the 55th percentile in the nation and the 86th percentile in Iowa. Although cloud cover is higher compared to the national and state averages, Brighton still has a significant number of clear days conducive to solar panel efficiency.

Brighton Iowa Electricity Costs

Residents in Brighton Iowa currently pay around $0.15/kw for electricity, ranking it in the 91st percentile nationally and in Iowa. Despite being higher than the national and state averages of $0.13/kw, investing in solar panels can help decrease electricity expenses over time and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Brighton Iowa?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Brighton, 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:

  • Brighton, Iowa receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Brighton, Iowa are slightly below the national average, but still good enough for effective solar power generation.
  • Cloud cover in Brighton, Iowa is around the national average, with varying degrees of coverage throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Brighton, Iowa pay slightly 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 and saving money on electricity bills.
  • With slightly higher electricity rates in Brighton, Iowa, the savings from using solar power are even more significant.

After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-6 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is not only a financially sound decision but also a great way to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Investing in solar power in Brighton Iowa

Installing solar panels in Brighton, Iowa can be a cost-effective solution to save money on electricity bills. By analyzing the weather trends specific to Brighton and the current electricity costs, we have determined that investing in solar energy could lead to significant savings over time. With the data showing that it would take approximately 5-6 years to break even on the initial investment, the benefits of lower electricity bills and a more sustainable lifestyle are well worth considering. Therefore, if you are a Brighton resident looking to reduce your expenses and contribute to a greener future, installing solar panels on your home could be a wise decision.