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

Fenton, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.3/10 5.2/10 8.4/10 4/10 9/10
Pretty Good 44% daily 3 inches monthly 3.9 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

In Fenton Iowa, installing solar panels on your home could save you a significant amount of money on electricity costs each year. By analyzing weather data such as average UV rating, precipitation, and cloud cover, along with basic electricity costs, we can estimate the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system, calculate potential savings, and estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment.

Fenton Iowa Weather Trends

Fenton Precipitation

With Fenton Iowa receiving approximately 33.65 inches of precipitation in the last year, residents here are in a somewhat drier climate compared to both the national average of 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches. However, this lower amount of precipitation can actually work in your favor when considering installing solar panels on your home. With fewer cloudy days due to lower precipitation, there will be more sunny days perfect for generating solar energy.

Fenton’s UV Rating

At an average UV rating of 3.89 in the last year, Fenton Iowa falls slightly below the national average of 4.29 and the state average of 4.06. Despite this lower UV rating, Fenton still offers suitable conditions for solar panel installation. With plenty of sunlight throughout the year, you can harness the power of the sun to generate your own electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid.

Fenton’s Cloud Cover

With an average cloud cover of 44% in the last year, Fenton Iowa experiences slightly more cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46% but is still lower than Iowa’s average of 42.8%. This means that while there may be some cloudy days, there are still plenty of clear days for your solar panels to soak up the sun’s rays and generate energy for your home. With over 100 days of clear to partially cloudy skies, Fenton offers ample opportunity for solar energy production.

Fenton Iowa Electricity Costs

Residents in Fenton Iowa pay around $0.14/kw for electricity, which is higher than both the national average of $0.13/kw and Iowa’s average of $0.13/kw. By installing solar panels on your home, you can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bills and hedge against future rate increases. With Fenton’s relatively high electricity costs, switching to solar power can lead to substantial savings in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fenton 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:

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

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Fenton Iowa pay a bit 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 buy as much from the grid.
  • Due to higher electricity rates in Fenton Iowa, the savings from solar power are significant.

After crunching the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 7 to 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 to 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to add up and payoff the investment. Also, considering that solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many years beyond the initial period. Investing in solar power is a wise way to save money and contribute to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in Fenton Iowa

Investing in solar panels in Fenton, Iowa can be a wise financial decision. With the lower precipitation levels providing more sunny days, the slightly lower UV rating still allows for efficient energy generation, and the relatively high electricity costs making solar power savings substantial, it is estimated that homeowners could break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 7 to 8 years. This means that after this initial period, the money saved on electricity bills will continue to add up, providing long-term financial benefits. By switching to solar energy, not only can residents save money, but they can also contribute to a greener environment. Making the switch to solar power in Fenton, Iowa is a smart and environmentally friendly choice!