Solar By City

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

Cambridge, ID at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.2/10 6.7/10 9.4/10 3.9/10 1/10
Not Bad 41% daily 2 inches monthly 3.9 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Are you a Cambridge Idaho resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By analyzing weather data, such as inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and percentage cloud cover, we can estimate the potential savings of switching to solar power. With our breakdown of the cost of a solar system and the time it would take to break even, you’ll see just how much you could benefit financially from making the switch to solar energy.

Cambridge Idaho Weather Trends

Cambridge Precipitation

With only 21.09 inches of precipitation in the last year, Cambridge Idaho is in the 6th percentile in the nation and the 19th percentile in Idaho. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Idaho’s average of 34.83 inches, Cambridge’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for installing solar panels, as less rain means more sunlight to power your home.

Cambridge’s UV Rating

Cambridge Idaho had an average UV rating of 3.87 in the last year, ranking it in the 39th percentile in the nation and the 72nd percentile in Idaho. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and Idaho’s average of 3.63, Cambridge’s UV levels are conducive to effective solar energy production, ensuring that you can harness the sun’s power efficiently and effectively.

Cambridge’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 41% cloud cover in the last year, Cambridge Idaho is in the 33rd percentile in the nation and the 36th percentile in Idaho. While the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% and Idaho’s average is 44.04%, Cambridge’s relatively clear skies make it a prime location for solar panel installation, ensuring consistent sunlight for your energy needs.

Cambridge Idaho Electricity Costs

Cambridge Idaho residents pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, placing them in the 10th percentile in the nation and the 70th percentile in Idaho. With the national average for residential electricity at $0.13/kw and Idaho’s average at $0.1/kw, Cambridge’s lower electricity costs make investing in solar panels a smart financial decision, allowing you to save money on your energy bills in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Cambridge, 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:

  • Cambridge, Idaho receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Cambridge, Idaho are slightly lower than the national average but still conducive for generating solar power.
  • The cloud cover in Cambridge, Idaho is slightly below the national average, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Cambridge, Idaho pay slightly less 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
  • With Cambridge, Idaho’s lower electricity rates, the savings may take longer to accumulate compared to areas with higher rates.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it might take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Cambridge, Idaho. This means, after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment at the same time!

Investing in solar power in Cambridge Idaho

Based on the weather trends and electricity costs in Cambridge, Idaho, it is clear that installing solar panels can lead to significant financial savings over time. With lower precipitation levels, ample UV ratings, and relatively clear skies, Cambridge is an ideal location for solar energy production. Additionally, the lower electricity costs in the area make investing in solar panels a wise financial decision. By estimating the break-even point for a standard 10kW solar system, it appears that residents could recoup their initial investment within 8-10 years, leading to long-term savings and environmental benefits. Making the switch to solar power in Cambridge, Idaho is not only a smart financial move but also a sustainable choice for the future.