Overview
Are you tired of paying high electricity bills in Gilbert, Iowa? Installing solar panels on your home can help you save money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we have calculated that a solar system in Gilbert can pay for itself in just a few years. With the sunny days and low cloud cover in the area, solar panels can generate significant electricity savings for you. Read on to find out more about the financial benefits of going solar in Gilbert, Iowa.
Gilbert Iowa Weather Trends
Gilbert Precipitation
With Gilbert Iowa receiving 37.63 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 23rd percentile in the nation and the 72nd percentile in Iowa. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches, Gilbert’s precipitation levels make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy efficiently.
Gilbert’s UV Rating
Looking at the UV ratings, Gilbert Iowa had an average rating of 4.01, placing it at the 46th percentile in the nation and the 48th percentile in Iowa. With a max UV rating of 4.33, Gilbert residents experience higher exposure to sunlight. Compared to the national averages of 4.29 and 4.61, and Iowa’s average of 4.06 and 4.38, Gilbert’s UV exposure makes it a great place for solar panel installation.
Gilbert’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average of 43% cloud cover, Gilbert Iowa is in the 44th percentile in the nation and the 55th percentile in Iowa. With varying cloud cover days throughout the year, Gilbert residents still experience enough sunny days to benefit from solar energy. With 118 days of minimal cloud cover and only 69 days with heavy cloud cover, the opportunities for solar energy generation are abundant.
Gilbert Iowa Electricity Costs
At $0.14/kw, Gilbert Iowa residents are in the 90th percentile in the nation and the 87th percentile in Iowa for electricity costs. Despite being slightly higher than the national and state averages of $0.13/kw, investing in solar panels can significantly reduce electricity bills over time and provide substantial savings for Gilbert residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Gilbert Iowa?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Gilbert, 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:
- Gilbert receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Gilbert are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Gilbert is slightly lower than the national average, with some variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Gilbert 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 need to purchase from the grid.
- With Gilbert’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to compensate for the initial investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for many years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for a long time. Investing in solar panels is both a financially wise decision and an environmentally friendly choice for residents in Gilbert, Iowa.
Investing in solar power in Gilbert Iowa
With the financial benefits of installing solar panels in Gilbert, Iowa clearly outlined, it is evident that making the switch to solar energy can lead to significant savings for residents. The combination of favorable weather conditions and higher electricity costs in the area makes investing in solar panels a smart decision. By analyzing the data, we have determined that it would take approximately 7 years to break even on the initial cost, after which residents can enjoy reduced electricity bills and long-term savings. Embracing solar energy is not only a financially wise choice but also a step towards a more sustainable future for Gilbert, Iowa.