Overview
Are you tired of high electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home in Decatur Iowa could be the solution you’ve been looking for. By using weather data collected over the course of a year, we can show you the potential financial benefits of investing in solar energy. With the cost of electricity on the rise, now is the perfect time to switch to solar and start saving money. Let us break down the costs and show you how quickly you can recoup your investment by going solar.
Decatur Iowa Weather Trends
Decatur Precipitation
With Decatur Iowa receiving 47.19 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area gets a fair amount of rainfall. Compared to the rest of the country, Decatur falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, within Iowa, Decatur ranks higher in terms of precipitation, sitting at the 98th percentile. This means that the area experiences more rain compared to other parts of the state.
Decatur’s UV Rating
Decatur Iowa had an average UV rating of 4.11 in the last year, placing it in the 50th percentile nationally and the 67th percentile within Iowa. Although this may seem average, it is worth noting that Decatur gets a good amount of sun exposure. The average UV rating in Iowa is 4.06, slightly lower than Decatur’s rating, indicating that the area receives ample sunlight for solar energy generation.
Decatur’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 42% cloud cover in the last year, Decatur Iowa ranks at the 41st percentile nationally and the 48th percentile within Iowa. This means that there are plenty of sunny days for solar energy production in the area. Additionally, with 130 days of low cloud cover and only 68 days of heavy cloud cover, Decatur offers favorable conditions for harnessing solar power.
Decatur Iowa Electricity Costs
Decatur Iowa residents pay about $0.17/kw for electricity, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally and the highest percentile within Iowa. Although the cost is slightly higher compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, it is on par with the state average. By switching to solar energy, Decatur residents can reduce their electricity costs and take advantage of the area’s favorable solar conditions, ultimately saving money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Decatur Iowa?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Decatur, 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:
- Decatur, Iowa gets slightly less rain than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Decatur are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Decatur is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Decatur, Iowa pay 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.
- With higher electricity rates in Decatur, Iowa, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Decatur, Iowa. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to compensate for the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so after this period, you will continue to enjoy savings for many more years. Investing in solar panels is both a financially wise decision and an environmentally friendly one!
Investing in solar power in Decatur Iowa
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Decatur, Iowa, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to long-term financial savings. With favorable conditions for solar energy production, including lower than average rainfall, sufficient sunlight exposure, and minimal cloud cover, Decatur is a prime location for harnessing solar power. Additionally, with residents paying higher than average electricity costs, the potential for savings is significant. By breaking down the costs and considering the data, it is estimated that it would take around 6 years to recoup the initial investment in solar panels. This means that switching to solar energy in Decatur is not only a smart financial choice but also an environmentally friendly one, contributing to a sustainable future.