Solar By City

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

Hills, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.6/10 5.5/10 8.3/10 4.9/10 9.5/10
Pretty Good 43% daily 3 inches monthly 4.1 on average 0.17/kw

Overview

Investing in solar panels for your home in Hills Iowa can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we can estimate the cost of a solar system and how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. With the high average UV rating and relatively low average percentage of cloud cover, solar panels in Hills Iowa have great potential to generate energy efficiently and help you save on your electricity bills in the long run.

Hills Iowa Weather Trends

Hills Precipitation

With Hills Iowa receiving 34.12 inches of precipitation in the last year, this puts the area in the 17th percentile in the nation and the 25th percentile in Iowa. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Iowa’s average is 36.9 inches. Despite being slightly below average in precipitation, Hills still has adequate rainfall to support the efficient generation of solar energy.

Hills’s UV Rating

In the last year, Hills Iowa had an average UV rating of 4.08, positioning the area in the 49th percentile in the nation and the 62nd percentile in Iowa. When comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and Iowa’s average of 4.06, it is evident that Hills enjoys ample sunshine which is beneficial for solar panel efficiency. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 4.46, Hills continues to have favorable conditions for solar energy production.

Hills’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, Hills Iowa is in the 45th percentile in the nation and the 58th percentile in Iowa. Comparatively, the national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, while Iowa’s average is 42.8%. Additionally, Hills had 130 days with between 0% and 25% cloud cover, indicating clear skies on numerous occasions that are optimal for solar energy generation.

Hills Iowa Electricity Costs

Hills Iowa residents pay about $0.17/kw for electricity, placing the area in the 95th percentile in the nation and the 100th percentile in Iowa. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Iowa’s average is also $0.13/kw. By installing solar panels, residents of Hills can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and save significantly on their energy costs in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Hills 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:

  • Hills Iowa receives less precipitation compared to the national average, indicating a good amount of sunlight for solar panels to operate effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Hills Iowa are slightly lower than the national average but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Hills Iowa is lower than the national average, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Hills Iowa pay a bit 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 as much from the grid.
  • Considering Hills Iowa’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.

Based on the calculations, it is estimated 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 begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many more years to come. Investing in solar panels not only helps save money but also contributes to environmental conservation. It’s a wise decision for both your finances and the planet!

Investing in solar power in Hills Iowa

Investing in solar panels for your home in Hills Iowa can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we can estimate the cost of a solar system and how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. With the high average UV rating and relatively low average percentage of cloud cover, solar panels in Hills Iowa have great potential to generate energy efficiently and help you save on your electricity bills in the long run. By making the decision to go solar, you not only save money but also contribute to environmental conservation. It’s a smart choice for your finances and the planet!