Solar By City

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

Fertile, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.1/10 4.7/10 8/10 3.8/10 9.2/10
Pretty Good 45% daily 3 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.15/kw

Overview

In Fertile, Iowa, installing solar panels on your home can be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs in the area, we can estimate how long it will take for a solar system to pay for itself. With abundant sunshine throughout the year, you can take advantage of the savings on your electricity bill by harnessing the power of the sun. Let’s break down the cost of solar panels and see how quickly you can start seeing a return on your investment.

Fertile Iowa Weather Trends

Fertile Precipitation

With Fertile, Iowa receiving 35.74 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches but above Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches. By harnessing solar power, you can utilize the abundance of sunshine in Fertile to offset the impact of lower precipitation levels, making it a wise investment in the long run.

Fertile’s UV Rating

Having an average UV rating of 3.84 in Fertile, Iowa may seem lower than the national average of 4.29 and Iowa’s average of 4.06. However, with an average max UV rating of 4.11, Fertile still ranks relatively high. The consistent exposure to sunlight makes Fertile an ideal location to install solar panels and take advantage of renewable energy sources.

Fertile’s Cloud Cover

Despite having an average cloud cover of 45%, Fertile, Iowa is still a prime location for solar panel installation. Comparing with the national average of 44.46% and Iowa’s average of 42.8%, Fertile’s cloud cover is well within range for optimal solar energy generation throughout the year. With varying degrees of cloud cover, you can expect reliable solar energy production to benefit your home.

Fertile Iowa Electricity Costs

At $0.15/kw for electricity, Fertile, Iowa is above the national average of $0.13/kw but on par with Iowa’s average. By switching to solar power, you can reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources and lower your monthly utility bills. Investing in solar panels now can lead to significant savings in the future, making it a financially sound decision for Fertile residents.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fertile 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:

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

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Fertile 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 amount needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
  • With electricity costs slightly higher in Fertile Iowa, the savings from solar power are even more significant.

After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Fertile Iowa. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the solar panel investment. Additionally, considering the longevity of solar panels, the savings will continue for many years beyond the initial payback period. Investing in solar panels not only saves money but also contributes to a greener environment in the long run.

Investing in solar power in Fertile Iowa

After analyzing the data regarding weather trends and electricity costs in Fertile, Iowa, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial benefits. By taking advantage of the abundant sunshine in the area and offsetting the impact of lower precipitation levels, residents can start seeing a return on their investment in approximately 6 years. The savings on electricity bills will continue for many years beyond the payback period, making solar panel installation a smart and sustainable choice for Fertile residents.