Solar By City

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

Clear Lake, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5/10 4.3/10 7.9/10 3.6/10 9.2/10
Pretty Good 46% daily 3 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.15/kw

Overview

Discover the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Clear Lake Iowa. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will show you how much you can save on your monthly energy bills. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you can make an informed decision to start saving money and reducing your carbon footprint today.

Clear Lake Iowa Weather Trends



Clear Lake Precipitation

With Clear Lake Iowa receiving 36.46 inches of precipitation in the last year, residents can take advantage of the area’s lower-than-average rainfall compared to national and state averages. This means less wear and tear on your solar panels and more consistent energy production throughout the year.

Clear Lake’s UV Rating

Clear Lake Iowa’s average UV rating of 3.8 in the last year, while lower than the national and state averages, still provides ample sunlight for efficient solar energy generation. By harnessing the power of the sun, residents can save money on electricity bills and reduce their environmental impact.

Clear Lake’s Cloud Cover

Despite having an average cloud cover of 46% in the last year, Clear Lake Iowa offers plenty of sunny days for optimal solar panel performance. With over 100 days of clear to partly cloudy skies, residents can maximize their savings and contribute to a cleaner environment by installing solar panels on their homes.

Clear Lake Iowa Electricity Costs

Clear Lake Iowa residents pay about $0.15/kw for electricity, slightly higher than the national and state averages. By investing in solar panels, homeowners can take control of their energy costs and protect themselves against future price increases. With the potential to offset electricity expenses and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, going solar is a smart financial and environmental decision for Clear Lake residents.


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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Clear Lake 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:

  • Clear Lake Iowa receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Clear Lake Iowa are slightly below the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Clear Lake Iowa is slightly higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Clear Lake 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
  • With Clear Lake Iowa’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.

After doing the calculations, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the savings from lower electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is a wise decision to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Clear Lake Iowa

In conclusion, installing solar panels in Clear Lake, Iowa can lead to significant financial savings and environmental benefits. With lower-than-average precipitation, suitable UV ratings, and plenty of sunny days, residents can maximize the efficiency of solar panels. Despite slightly higher electricity costs compared to national averages, investing in solar energy can help homeowners take control of their energy expenses and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Based on the calculations, it would take approximately 5 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar panel system, leading to long-term savings and a cleaner environment for Clear Lake residents.