Overview
Living in Jenison, Michigan, you may be wondering if switching to solar energy is worth the investment. By analyzing a year’s worth of weather data and electricity costs, we have calculated that installing solar panels on your home can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. With the average cost of a solar system in our area and the estimated time it will take to break even, it’s clear that going solar is not only environmentally friendly but also a smart financial decision for Jenison residents.
Jenison Michigan Weather Trends
Jenison Precipitation
With Jenison Michigan receiving 48.64 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 45th percentile in the nation and the 90th percentile in Michigan. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Michigan’s average is 44.01 inches. Slightly below the national average, Jenison’s precipitation levels are still conducive to generating solar power efficiently.
Jenison’s UV Rating
Last year, Jenison Michigan had an average UV rating of 3.63, ranking it in the 25th percentile in the nation and the 83rd percentile in Michigan. In comparison, the national average UV rating is 4.29, and Michigan’s average is 3.43. Additionally, Jenison’s average max UV rating of 3.91 places it in the 29th percentile nationally and the 83rd percentile in Michigan. These UV ratings indicate that Jenison has sufficient sunlight for effective solar panel performance.
Jenison’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 51% cloud cover in the last year, Jenison falls in the 76th percentile in the nation and the 15th percentile in Michigan. Nationally, the average cloud cover is 44.46%, while Michigan’s average is 52.98%. The distribution of cloud cover days in Jenison – 93 days with minimal cloud cover, 97 days with moderate cloud cover, 73 days with high cloud cover, and 101 days with overcast skies – provides a favorable environment for installing solar panels.
Jenison Michigan Electricity Costs
Residents in Jenison pay about $0.16/kw for electricity, positioning the town in the 94th percentile nationally and the 54th percentile in Michigan. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Michigan’s average is the same as Jenison’s. With electricity prices slightly higher than the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings for Jenison residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Jenison Michigan?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Jenison 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:
- Jenison Michigan receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Jenison Michigan are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Jenison Michigan is slightly higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Jenison 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- Due to the higher electricity rates in Jenison Michigan, the savings are even greater.
After analyzing the numbers, it seems like it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years beyond the initial payback period. Investing in solar power is a wise decision that not only saves money but also helps the environment.
Investing in solar power in Jenison Michigan
Installing solar panels in Jenison, Michigan is a beneficial investment for residents. Taking into account the weather trends, electricity costs, and payback period, it is evident that transitioning to solar energy can lead to significant long-term savings. With the favorable weather conditions and higher electricity rates in Jenison, it would take approximately 5 years to break even on the initial cost of the solar panels. Beyond that, residents can continue to save money and enjoy the environmental benefits of using solar power. Ultimately, going solar is both financially and environmentally responsible for the community of Jenison.