Overview
Harlan, Iowa residents can take advantage of the financial benefits of installing solar panels on their homes. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Harlan, it is clear that a solar system can offer significant savings over time. With the right set up, homeowners can break even on their investment relatively quickly, ultimately leading to long-term financial gain.
Harlan Iowa Weather Trends
Harlan Precipitation
With Harlan, Iowa receiving 36.64 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches and is slightly higher than Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches. By harnessing this precipitation through solar panels, residents can save significantly on their electricity bills.
Harlan’s UV Rating
Harlan’s average UV rating of 4.13 in the last year positions it close to the national average of 4.29 and above Iowa’s average of 4.06. With an average max UV rating of 4.46, Harlan residents can maximize their solar energy production, translating into increased savings and environmental benefits compared to counterparts across the state and the country.
Harlan’s Cloud Cover
At an average of 40% cloud cover, Harlan, Iowa experiences less cloud coverage compared to the national average of 44.46% and slightly below Iowa’s average of 42.8%. This means residents have ample sunshine to capture solar energy efficiently, boosting their financial savings and reducing their carbon footprint in the long run.
Harlan Iowa Electricity Costs
With Harlan residents paying about $0.1/kw for electricity, they are below the national average of $0.13/kw and slightly lower than Iowa’s average as well. By switching to solar energy, homeowners can take advantage of lower electricity costs, making it a sound financial investment that will pay off over time compared to others in the nation and state.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harlan Iowa?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harlan 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:
- Harlan Iowa receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Harlan Iowa are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Harlan Iowa is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Harlan Iowa pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making it a cost-effective location for solar power.
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 electricity from the grid.
- With Harlan Iowa’s lower electricity rates, the savings from solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for 25-30 years, you will continue to enjoy savings for many more years. Investing in solar power not only saves money but also contributes to a sustainable future.
Investing in solar power in Harlan Iowa
Overall, installing solar panels in Harlan, Iowa is a wise financial decision for homeowners. The weather data shows that Harlan receives less precipitation, has suitable UV ratings, and experiences lower cloud cover compared to national averages. Additionally, residents pay lower electricity costs, making solar energy an even more cost-effective option. With the initial investment expected to break even within 4-5 years and the system lasting for 25-30 years, homeowners can enjoy long-term financial gains and contribute to a sustainable future by harnessing solar power in Harlan, Iowa.