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

La Motte, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.1/10 4.9/10 7.8/10 3.8/10 9/10
Pretty Good 44% daily 3 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

Have you ever thought about the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in La Motte, Iowa? In this article, we will explore how the weather data and basic electricity cost in La Motte can benefit you financially by reducing your energy bills. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of the time it will take to break even, you’ll see how investing in solar panels can save you money in the long run. So, let’s dive in and discover how going solar can be a smart financial decision for La Motte residents.

La Motte Iowa Weather Trends

La Motte Precipitation

With La Motte receiving 37.07 inches of precipitation last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches, but slightly above Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches. Despite not being the wettest location, the consistent rainfall can benefit solar panel efficiency by helping to keep them clean and functioning optimally.

La Motte’s UV Rating

The average UV rating in La Motte is 3.84, ranking it lower than both the national average of 4.29 and Iowa’s average of 4.06. However, with an average max UV rating of 4.17, La Motte offers sufficient sunlight for generating solar energy. Installing solar panels can still be a beneficial and cost-effective choice for residents.

La Motte’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 44% cloud cover, La Motte is slightly cloudier than the national average of 44.46% but exceeds Iowa’s average of 42.8%. Despite this, La Motte still experiences a significant number of clear days suitable for solar power generation. By harnessing sunlight on these clear days, residents can maximize their energy production and savings.

La Motte Iowa Electricity Costs

Residents of La Motte pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw but on par with Iowa’s average. By investing in solar panels, homeowners can take control of their energy costs and reduce reliance on traditional electricity sources, ultimately saving money in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in La Motte 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:

  • La Motte Iowa receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average but still adequate for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in La Motte Iowa is around the national average, with some variability throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in La Motte Iowa pay slightly 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 needed from the grid and saving money.
  • Since La Motte Iowa has slightly higher electricity rates, the savings will be significant.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-6 years, the savings on electricity bills will outweigh the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so you’ll continue to benefit from those savings for many years to come. Investing in solar power is not only financially smart but also environmentally friendly!

Investing in solar power in La Motte Iowa

By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in La Motte, Iowa, it is clear that investing in solar panels can result in significant financial benefits for residents. With lower than average precipitation, adequate UV ratings, and a decent amount of clear days for solar power generation, La Motte is a suitable location for solar energy. Additionally, although electricity costs are slightly higher in La Motte, installing solar panels can help homeowners save money in the long run. Based on the calculations, it would take approximately 5-6 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system, making it a smart and cost-effective choice for residents. Ultimately, going solar can lead to long-term savings and a more environmentally friendly lifestyle in La Motte, Iowa.