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Solar and Electricity Data for East Tawas, MI: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

East Tawas, MI at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.8/10 1.7/10 7.1/10 0.6/10 9.4/10
Not Bad 53% daily 3 inches monthly 3.2 on average 0.16/kw

Overview

In East Tawas, Michigan, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and basic electricity costs specific to the area, it is clear that investing in solar power is a smart decision. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimated timeline for breaking even, this article will show you how harnessing the power of the sun can benefit your wallet in the long run.

East Tawas Michigan Weather Trends

East Tawas Precipitation

With East Tawas receiving 40.93 inches of precipitation annually, it is evident that the area does not have excessive rainfall. This puts East Tawas above the national average of 50.61 inches but below Michigan’s average of 44.01 inches. The moderate precipitation levels in East Tawas make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.

East Tawas’s UV Rating

East Tawas boasts an average UV rating of 3.16, indicating a good amount of sunlight for solar energy production. East Tawas falls below the national average of 4.29 but surpasses Michigan’s average of 3.43. This means that residents can benefit from harnessing the sun’s energy to power their homes efficiently.

East Tawas’s Cloud Cover

With an average cloud cover of 53%, East Tawas has more sunny days compared to other locations. This puts East Tawas above the national average of 44.46% but slightly below Michigan’s average of 52.98%. With a significant number of days having low cloud cover, residents have ample opportunities to generate solar power.

East Tawas Michigan Electricity Costs

Residents of East Tawas pay about $0.16/kw for electricity, placing them above the national average of $0.13/kw but on par with Michigan’s average of $0.16/kw. By investing in solar panels, homeowners can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and save money in the long run.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in East Tawas Michigan?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in East Tawas Michigan, 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:

  • East Tawas Michigan receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, which is good for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in East Tawas Michigan are lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in East Tawas Michigan is slightly higher than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in East Tawas Michigan 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 East Tawas Michigan, the savings are significant.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to see those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart investment to save money and contribute to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in East Tawas Michigan

Ultimately, investing in solar panels in East Tawas, Michigan, is a wise financial decision. With favorable weather conditions and slightly higher electricity costs compared to the national average, residents stand to benefit from significant savings over time. By harnessing the power of the sun, homeowners can expect to break even on their solar installation in about 6 years and continue to see savings for many more years. Not only is investing in solar panels a smart way to save money, but it also helps contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.