Overview
Living in Burnside, Iowa, you may be wondering if investing in solar panels for your home is worth it. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we have found that installing solar panels can lead to significant financial benefits over time. With an average of 34 inches of precipitation, a high average max UV rating, and relatively low cloud cover, Burnside has ideal conditions for generating solar power. By breaking down the costs of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, we show you how making the switch to solar energy can be a smart financial decision for residents of Burnside, Iowa.
Burnside Iowa Weather Trends
Burnside Precipitation
With Burnside receiving 38.61 inches of precipitation last year, you may be surprised to know that this puts your town below the national average but above the Iowa average. Given that the national average is 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average is 36.9 inches, Burnside’s relatively moderate precipitation levels offer the perfect balance for generating solar power efficiently.
Burnside’s UV Rating
Considering Burnside’s average UV rating of 3.85, which is below the national average but slightly above the Iowa average, it’s clear that Burnside is positioned well for harnessing solar energy. With the national average at 4.29 and Iowa’s average at 4.06, your town’s UV ratings provide ample sunlight for powering your home with solar panels.
Burnside’s Cloud Cover
Even though Burnside experiences an average of 46% cloud cover, which is higher than both the national and state averages, your town still has a significant number of days with clear skies. Last year, Burnside had 103 days with between 0% and 25% cloud cover, 105 days with between 25% and 50% cloud cover, 77 days with between 50% and 75% cloud cover, and 79 days with between 75% and 100% cloud cover, providing plenty of opportunities for solar energy generation.
Burnside Iowa Electricity Costs
Residents of Burnside pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, placing your town below both the national and Iowa averages. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Iowa’s average matches that, Burnside residents enjoy lower costs, making the switch to solar energy even more financially appealing.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Burnside Iowa?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Burnside, 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:
- Burnside receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Burnside are slightly below the national average but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Burnside is around the average for the country, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Burnside pay a bit less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact the savings from solar panels.
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, providing long-term benefits.
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 purchased from the grid and lowering electricity costs.
- With Burnside’s lower electricity rates, the savings might take longer to cover the initial cost compared to other locations.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it might take around 7-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Burnside. Despite the longer payback period, the savings on electricity bills will eventually accumulate and make the investment worthwhile. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the long-term benefits are significant. It’s a wise choice for both saving money and contributing positively to the environment over time!
Investing in solar power in Burnside Iowa
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Burnside, Iowa, it is clear that investing in solar panels for your home can lead to substantial financial benefits over time. With ideal conditions for generating solar power, lower-than-average precipitation levels, and relatively low electricity costs, residents of Burnside can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 7-10 years. Despite the longer payback period, the long-term savings on electricity bills and positive environmental impact make switching to solar energy a smart financial decision for the residents of Burnside, Iowa. It’s a win-win situation for your wallet and the planet!