Solar By City

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

Emerson, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.5/10 7.1/10 8.3/10 5.6/10 1.5/10
Not Bad 40% daily 3 inches monthly 4.2 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Would you like to save money on your electricity bills while helping the environment? In Emerson, Iowa, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we will show you how a solar system can pay for itself over time. Let’s look at the numbers and see how going solar could benefit you financially.

Emerson Iowa Weather Trends

Emerson Precipitation

With Emerson Iowa receiving 34.4 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is important to note that this places Emerson in the 17th percentile in the nation and the 28th percentile in Iowa. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches, Emerson experiences less rainfall. This means that solar panels in Emerson are less likely to be affected by heavy rain, potentially leading to more consistent energy production.

Emerson’s UV Rating

Emerson Iowa had an average UV rating of 4.25 in the last year, putting it in the 56th percentile in the nation and the 93rd percentile in Iowa. Comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and Iowa’s average of 4.06, Emerson experiences relatively strong UV rays. With an average max UV rating of 4.65, Emerson is in a good position for efficient solar energy generation, as higher UV ratings mean more energy output from solar panels.

Emerson’s Cloud Cover

Emerson Iowa had an average of 40% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 29th percentile in the nation and the 16th percentile in Iowa. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Iowa’s average of 42.8%, Emerson experiences less cloud cover. With a significant number of days having low cloud cover, solar panels in Emerson have increased opportunities for sunlight exposure, leading to higher energy production potential.

Emerson Iowa Electricity Costs

Residents in Emerson Iowa pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, which places the town in the 15th percentile in the nation and the 5th percentile in Iowa. Comparing this to the national average of $0.13/kw and Iowa’s average of $0.13/kw, Emerson residents enjoy lower electricity costs. By installing solar panels, residents can further reduce their electricity bills and potentially even generate excess energy to sell back to the grid, providing long-term financial benefits.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Emerson, 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:

  • Emerson, Iowa receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Emerson, Iowa are slightly lower than the national average, but still favorable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Emerson, Iowa is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Emerson, Iowa pay a lower rate for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.10/kw.

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 and resulting in savings on electricity bills.
  • With Emerson, Iowa’s lower electricity rates, the savings are significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 3-4 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Emerson, Iowa. This means that after 3-4 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment in solar panels. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, the long-term savings and benefits of using solar power in Emerson, Iowa are substantial. It’s a financially sound decision that also contributes to a cleaner environment.

Investing in solar power in Emerson Iowa

Installing solar panels in Emerson, Iowa can be a wise financial choice. With lower precipitation levels, strong UV ratings, and less cloud cover than national averages, Emerson is a suitable location for solar energy generation. Pair that with the town’s low electricity costs, and residents can expect to break even on their solar investment in as little as 3-4 years. This means that not only can solar power save money on electricity bills, but it also provides long-term financial benefits and contributes to a cleaner environment. Considering the data, going solar in Emerson, Iowa is a smart decision both financially and environmentally.