Solar By City

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

Lewis, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.7/10 7.6/10 8.6/10 5.6/10 1.5/10
Not Bad 39% daily 3 inches monthly 4.2 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Living in Lewis Iowa, you have the opportunity to save money and reduce your carbon footprint by installing solar panels on your home. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to our area, we can show you how much money you can save over time and estimate how long it will take for your investment in solar panels to pay off. With the financial benefits of solar power in mind, let’s explore how going solar can be a smart decision for your home.

Lewis Iowa Weather Trends

Lewis Precipitation

With Lewis Iowa receiving 32.15 inches of precipitation in the last year, you may be surprised to learn that this actually puts us below average compared to both the rest of the country and the state of Iowa. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Iowa’s average is 36.9 inches. By harnessing the power of solar energy, you can offset your carbon footprint and contribute to a greener future for Lewis, all while saving money on your energy bills.

Lewis’s UV Rating

When it comes to UV ratings, Lewis Iowa has an average rating of 4.24, which is slightly above the national average of 4.29. In comparison to the rest of Iowa, Lewis ranks in the 92nd percentile. By taking advantage of our relatively high UV exposure, you can maximize the efficiency of your solar panels and increase your potential energy savings. With an average max UV rating of 4.64, Lewis is positioned well for solar power generation.

Lewis’s Cloud Cover

Despite having an average cloud cover of 39% in the last year, Lewis Iowa ranks lower than the national average of 44.46% and the state average of 42.8%. This means that our area receives a decent amount of sunlight throughout the year, providing ample opportunities for solar panel installation. By utilizing the sunny days we do have, you can significantly reduce your reliance on traditional grid electricity and lower your monthly utility costs.

Lewis Iowa Electricity Costs

Residents in Lewis Iowa pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, which is below the national average of $0.13/kw. Compared to the rest of Iowa, Lewis falls in the 5th percentile for electricity costs. By switching to solar power, you can take control of your energy expenses and protect yourself from future utility rate hikes. With favorable electricity rates in Lewis, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings and a more sustainable lifestyle.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lewis 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:

  • Lewis Iowa gets slightly less rain compared to the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Lewis Iowa are close to the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Lewis Iowa is lower than the national average, with a mix of conditions throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Lewis Iowa pay a bit less for electricity compared to the national average, saving money in the long run.

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 purchased from the grid and lowering overall costs.
  • With lower electricity rates in Lewis Iowa, the savings may take a bit longer to cover the initial investment.

After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Lewis Iowa. This means that after 7 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to save money for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar power is not only financially beneficial but also environmentally friendly, providing long-term benefits for both you and the planet.

Investing in solar power in Lewis Iowa

Installing solar panels in Lewis, Iowa can be a smart decision for homeowners looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact. By taking advantage of the favorable weather conditions and electricity costs in our area, investing in solar power can lead to substantial long-term savings. Analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of solar panels in Lewis, Iowa. This means that after 7 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to pay off the investment, with continued savings for many years to come. By going solar, you not only benefit financially but also contribute to a greener future for our community and the planet.