Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Harris, MI: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Harris, MI at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.8/10 1.5/10 7/10 0.4/10 9.9/10
Not Bad 54% daily 3 inches monthly 3.1 on average 0.21/kw

Overview

In Harris, Michigan, installing solar panels on your home can help you save money on your electricity bills in the long run. By analyzing 365 days of weather data, including precipitation levels, UV ratings, and cloud cover percentages, we have determined that Harris has ideal conditions for harnessing solar energy. With the average cost of electricity in Harris and the breakdown of solar system costs, we estimate that you can break even on your investment in a solar system in just a few years, ultimately saving you money over time.

Harris Michigan Weather Trends

Harris Precipitation

In the last year, Harris Michigan received 41.3 inches of precipitation, which is below the national and state averages. This means that Harris receives less rain compared to most areas in the country and the state. With lower precipitation levels, your solar panels will have more sunny days to harness solar energy efficiently, translating to increased electricity savings over time.

Harris’s UV Rating

In the last year, Harris Michigan had an average UV rating of 3.08, ranking lower than the national and state averages. This indicates that Harris receives less ultraviolet radiation compared to most regions in the country and the state. Despite the lower UV rating, installing solar panels can still be a viable option for you as even moderate UV levels can generate significant solar power for your home.

Harris’s Cloud Cover

In the last year, Harris Michigan had an average of 54% cloud cover, which is higher than the national average but slightly lower than the state average. This means that Harris experiences more cloudy days compared to the rest of the nation, potentially affecting solar energy production. However, even with varying cloud cover, solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, ensuring a continuous source of clean energy for your home.

Harris Michigan Electricity Costs

Harris Michigan residents pay about $0.21/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national and state averages. This high electricity cost positions Harris among the top percentiles in the nation and the state. By investing in solar panels, you can significantly reduce your reliance on expensive grid electricity, leading to substantial cost savings in the long term while also contributing to a more sustainable environment for future generations.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harris Michigan?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harris, Michigan, 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, Michigan receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, which is suitable for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Harris, Michigan are also slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Harris, Michigan is slightly higher than the national average, with variations throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Harris, Michigan pay 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 purchased from the grid.
  • With higher electricity rates in Harris, Michigan, the savings are even more significant.

After crunching the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment cost. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so beyond that initial period, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. It’s a wise way to save money and contribute to environmental conservation simultaneously!

Investing in solar power in Harris Michigan

Based on the analysis of weather data, electricity costs, and solar system expenses in Harris, Michigan, it is evident that installing solar panels on your home is a smart investment. With ideal conditions for solar energy, including lower precipitation levels and moderate UV ratings, along with higher electricity costs in the region, you can expect to break even on your solar system in about 6 years. After this initial period, you will continue to save money on your electricity bills for many more years, making solar panels a cost-effective and sustainable choice for homeowners in Harris, Michigan.