Solar By City

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

Ishpeming, MI at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.2/10 0.7/10 5.4/10 0.2/10 9.9/10
Not Bad 58% daily 4 inches monthly 2.9 on average 0.21/kw

Overview

Ishpeming Michigan residents can save money by installing solar panels on their homes. By analyzing a year’s worth of weather data and electricity costs, we can show you how much you could potentially save by switching to solar energy. With the average cost of a solar system and estimated payback time, you can see the financial benefits of making the switch to solar power in Ishpeming Michigan.

Ishpeming Michigan Weather Trends

Ishpeming Precipitation

In the last year, Ishpeming Michigan received 49.01 inches of precipitation, which is slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches but higher than Michigan’s average of 44.01 inches. Despite being in the 46th percentile in the nation, Ishpeming ranks in the 91st percentile in Michigan for total precipitation.

Ishpeming’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 2.92, Ishpeming Michigan is below both the national average of 4.29 and Michigan’s average of 3.43. The city ranks in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 5th percentile in Michigan for UV rating. Furthermore, the average max UV rating of 3.05 places Ishpeming in the 9th percentile nationally and the 13th percentile in Michigan.

Ishpeming’s Cloud Cover

Despite having an average of 58% cloud cover, which is higher than both the national average of 44.46% and Michigan’s average of 52.98%, Ishpeming Michigan enjoys relatively clear skies for a significant portion of the year. With 66 days of minimal cloud cover, 83 days of moderate cloud cover, 84 days of heavy cloud cover, and 131 days of complete cloud cover, residents have ample opportunity to harness solar energy.

Ishpeming Michigan Electricity Costs

At $0.21/kw, Ishpeming Michigan residents pay more for electricity compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Michigan’s average of $0.16/kw. Being in the 99th percentile in the nation and the 98th percentile in Michigan for electricity costs, installing solar panels can help offset these high expenses and provide significant savings over time.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Ishpeming 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:

  • Ishpeming Michigan receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to function efficiently.
  • The UV ratings in Ishpeming Michigan are lower than the national average, but they are sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Ishpeming Michigan is higher than the national average, with significant variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Ishpeming 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:

  • By generating electricity, the solar system reduces the amount purchased from the grid.
  • Given the higher electricity rates in Ishpeming Michigan, the savings from using solar power are more significant.

After analyzing 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 pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar power is a wise choice for both saving money and supporting environmental sustainability.

Investing in solar power in Ishpeming Michigan

Switching to solar power in Ishpeming, Michigan can offer significant financial benefits for residents. By installing solar panels, residents can offset the high electricity costs and potentially save money over time. Analyzing the weather data and electricity costs in Ishpeming shows that it would take approximately 6 years to break even on the initial investment in solar panels. With solar panels lasting between 25 and 30 years, residents can continue to save on electricity bills for many years after that initial period. Making the switch to solar energy not only saves money but also supports environmental sustainability in Ishpeming, Michigan.