Solar By City

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

Chariton, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.1/10 5.5/10 7.1/10 5/10 8.1/10
Pretty Good 43% daily 3 inches monthly 4.1 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

If you live in Chariton Iowa, installing solar panels on your home could save you a significant amount of money on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we can show you how quickly you can break even on the cost of a solar system. With average sunny days and low precipitation, solar power can be a wise investment for your home in Chariton.

Chariton Iowa Weather Trends

Chariton Precipitation

With Chariton Iowa receiving 41.08 inches of precipitation last year, you may be surprised to learn that this puts Chariton in the 29th percentile in the nation and the 91st percentile in Iowa. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches, Chariton’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.

Chariton’s UV Rating

Last year, Chariton Iowa had an average UV rating of 4.11, placing it in the 50th percentile in the nation and the 67th percentile in Iowa. When compared to the national average of 4.29 and Iowa’s average of 4.06, Chariton’s UV rating makes it a favorable location for harnessing solar energy. With an average max UV rating of 4.45, Chariton’s solar potential becomes even more apparent, placing it in the 44th percentile nationally and the 63rd percentile in Iowa.

Chariton’s Cloud Cover

Chariton Iowa experienced an average of 43% cloud cover last year, positioning it in the 45th percentile in the nation and the 59th percentile in Iowa. With the national average for cloud cover being 44.46% and Iowa’s average at 42.8%, Chariton’s relatively low cloud cover days make it an excellent location for solar panel installation. Additionally, Chariton had numerous days with minimal cloud cover, further showcasing its solar potential.

Chariton Iowa Electricity Costs

Residents in Chariton Iowa pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing them in the 81st percentile in the nation and the 63rd percentile in Iowa. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, as well as Iowa’s average. With these competitive electricity rates, installing solar panels in Chariton can result in significant long-term savings on your energy bills.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Chariton, 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:

  • Chariton receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Chariton are close to the national average, providing good conditions for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Chariton is about average for the country, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Chariton pay about the same amount 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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
  • With Chariton’s average electricity rates, the savings will help offset the initial cost of the solar panels.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 5-6 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. Since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment.

Investing in solar power in Chariton Iowa

Based on the analysis of weather data and electricity costs specific to Chariton Iowa, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a beneficial investment for residents in this area. With lower precipitation levels, average UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, Chariton provides ideal conditions for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, with competitive electricity rates, residents can expect to break even on the cost of a solar system in approximately 5-6 years. This initial investment will lead to long-term savings on electricity bills and contribute to a cleaner environment for years to come. Therefore, considering the favorable conditions and financial benefits, installing solar panels in Chariton Iowa is a wise decision.