Overview
In Lakeland, Michigan, installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs for the area, we can show you how much you can potentially save by switching to solar energy. With the right information, you can make an informed decision about whether investing in solar panels is worth it for your home.
Lakeland Michigan Weather Trends
Lakeland Precipitation
In the last year, Lakeland Michigan received 45.72 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 39th percentile in the nation and the 72nd percentile in Michigan. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Michigan’s average of 44.01 inches, Lakeland sees slightly less rainfall than the country as a whole but more than the state average. With this moderate amount of precipitation, solar panels in Lakeland can still be highly effective in generating clean energy.
Lakeland’s UV Rating
Over the past year, Lakeland Michigan had an average UV rating of 3.54, placing it in the 20th percentile nationally and the 65th percentile in Michigan. In comparison, the national average UV rating is 4.29, while Michigan’s average is 3.43. Additionally, Lakeland had an average max UV rating of 3.79, which is in the 25th percentile nationwide and the 70th percentile in Michigan. Despite slightly lower UV ratings, solar panels in Lakeland can still capture ample sunlight to produce electricity for your home.
Lakeland’s Cloud Cover
On average, Lakeland Michigan experiences a 53% cloud cover, ranking it in the 83rd percentile in the nation and the 55th percentile in Michigan. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Michigan’s average of 52.98%, Lakeland has more cloudy days on average. However, with 88 days of clear to mostly clear skies, there are plenty of opportunities for solar panels to generate power efficiently throughout the year.
Lakeland Michigan Electricity Costs
Residents in Lakeland Michigan pay about $0.17 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, positioning the city in the 96th percentile nationwide and the 80th percentile in Michigan. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Michigan’s average is $0.16/kw. With higher electricity costs in Lakeland, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lakeland Michigan?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lakeland 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:
- Lakeland Michigan receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a decent location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Lakeland Michigan are lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Lakeland Michigan is slightly higher than the national average, with variations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lakeland 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 system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- With higher electricity rates in Lakeland Michigan, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. Therefore, after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar energy is a wise way to save money and contribute to environmental conservation simultaneously.
Investing in solar power in Lakeland Michigan
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Lakeland, Michigan, it is evident that investing in solar panels for your home can result in significant savings in the long term. With slightly lower UV ratings and higher cloud cover than the national average, solar panels in Lakeland are still highly effective in generating clean energy. Furthermore, with residents paying more for electricity compared to the national average, the savings from using solar power can quickly offset the initial investment. In conclusion, switching to solar energy not only saves you money but also helps in environmental conservation, making it a wise investment for homeowners in Lakeland, Michigan.