Overview
In Harris, Iowa, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing 365 days of weather data, we can show you how much sunlight your area receives, which directly impacts your energy production. We will break down the cost of a solar system for your home and estimate how long it will take to break even, based on your current electricity rates. This information will help you understand the long-term savings and return on investment that come with making the switch to solar energy.
Harris Iowa Weather Trends
Harris Precipitation
In the last year, Harris Iowa received 38.08 inches of precipitation, putting it in the 24th percentile nationally and the 77th percentile in Iowa. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches, Harris experiences lower-than-average rainfall, which is good news for solar panel efficiency. With less precipitation blocking the sun’s rays, your solar panels can generate more energy throughout the year.
Harris’s UV Rating
In the last year, Harris Iowa had an average UV rating of 3.76, ranking it in the 33rd percentile nationwide and the 4th percentile in Iowa. Comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and Iowa’s average of 4.06, Harris may not receive as much UV exposure as other parts of the country. However, even with slightly lower UV ratings, solar panels can still be a cost-effective energy solution for your home.
Harris’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Harris Iowa had an average of 43% cloud cover, placing it in the 46th percentile nationally and the 62nd percentile in Iowa. While this means Harris experiences a moderate amount of cloud cover, the distribution of cloud cover throughout the year allows for plenty of sunny days ideal for solar energy production. With over 110 days of minimal cloud cover, your solar panels can consistently harness the sun’s energy to power your home.
Harris Iowa Electricity Costs
Harris Iowa residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning them in the 73rd percentile nationally and the 39th percentile in Iowa. Although the cost is in line with the national and state averages, investing in solar panels can help you combat rising electricity prices in the future. By generating your own clean energy, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and potentially save thousands of dollars on electricity bills over the lifetime of your solar system.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harris Iowa?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harris 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:
- Harris Iowa received less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Harris Iowa are slightly lower than the national average but still good enough for generating solar power effectively.
- Cloud cover in Harris Iowa is slightly lower than the national average, with variations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Harris Iowa pay an average of $0.13/kw for electricity, which is in line with 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 purchased from the grid and saving money over time.
- With the average electricity costs in Harris Iowa, the savings will accumulate gradually.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Harris Iowa. This means that after 5 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years, making it a wise financial and environmental decision in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Harris Iowa
In conclusion, installing solar panels in Harris, Iowa can be a beneficial financial decision for homeowners. By taking into account the weather trends in Harris and current electricity costs, we can estimate that it would take around 5 years to break even on the investment in solar panels. Not only will this lead to long-term savings on electricity bills, but it also offers a sustainable energy solution for the environment. Making the switch to solar energy in Harris, Iowa can provide both financial and environmental advantages for homeowners in the long run.