Solar By City

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

Lake Mills, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.2/10 5.3/10 7.9/10 3.8/10 9/10
Pretty Good 43% daily 3 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

Are you tired of high electricity bills in Lake Mills Iowa? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for! By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Lake Mills, we have determined that a solar system could help you save money in the long run. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, we hope to show you the financial benefits of going solar in your area.

Lake Mills Iowa Weather Trends

Lake Mills Precipitation

With Lake Mills Iowa receiving 36.66 inches of precipitation in the last year, residents have the opportunity to harness rainwater for their solar panels – an eco-friendly way to save money on electricity. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Lake Mills sits below the average, making it an ideal location for solar energy. While the state of Iowa averages 36.9 inches of precipitation, Lake Mills falls slightly above that mark, providing a good balance for solar panel efficiency.

Lake Mills’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 3.84 in Lake Mills Iowa, residents can expect ample sunlight to power their solar panels efficiently. This puts Lake Mills slightly below the national average of 4.29 and just below Iowa’s average of 4.06, making it a suitable location for solar energy production. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 4.12 showcases the potential for optimal solar energy generation in Lake Mills compared to the rest of the country and the state.

Lake Mills’s Cloud Cover

Despite an average of 43% cloud cover in Lake Mills Iowa, residents can still benefit from solar energy production due to the abundance of clear days throughout the year. With 119 days of low cloud cover, residents can expect consistent solar efficiency for their panels. While the national average for cloud cover sits at 44.46%, Lake Mills’ slightly lower percentage makes it an attractive option for solar panel installation in a region that experiences a balance of sunny and cloudy days.

Lake Mills Iowa Electricity Costs

With Lake Mills Iowa residents paying about $0.14/kw for electricity, switching to solar energy can lead to significant savings in the long run. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Lake Mills is already paying slightly more for electricity, making solar panels a financially savvy choice. Additionally, Iowa’s average of $0.13/kw aligns with the national average, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of transitioning to solar power in Lake Mills.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lake Mills, 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:

  • Lake Mills receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, providing good conditions for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Lake Mills are a bit lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Lake Mills is around average compared to the rest of the country, with some variability throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Lake Mills 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, which can lead to significant savings.
  • Considering Lake Mills’ higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are even more substantial.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Lake Mills. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Moreover, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. Opting for solar energy is a wise choice for both saving money and supporting environmental conservation efforts!

Investing in solar power in Lake Mills Iowa

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Lake Mills, Iowa, it is evident that installing solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings for residents. With lower precipitation levels, suitable UV ratings, and decent cloud cover, Lake Mills provides a favorable environment for solar energy production. Additionally, residents paying slightly more for electricity can benefit from transitioning to solar power, with an expected break-even point of around 5 years. By investing in a solar system, residents can not only save money but also contribute to environmental conservation efforts. Going solar in Lake Mills is a financially savvy and environmentally friendly choice!