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

Lowden, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.3/10 5.3/10 7.8/10 4.5/10 9.1/10
Pretty Good 43% daily 3 inches monthly 4 on average 0.15/kw

Overview

Are you a Lowden Iowa resident looking to save some money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for. By analyzing weather data specific to Lowden, including inches of precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, along with basic electricity costs, this article will break down the financial benefits of going solar. You’ll learn about the initial cost of a solar system, how long it will take to break even, and why making the switch to solar energy could be a smart investment for your home.

Lowden Iowa Weather Trends

Lowden Precipitation

With Lowden receiving 37.23 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches but exceeds Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches. While Lowden is in the 22nd percentile nationally, it ranks higher at the 66th percentile within Iowa. By harnessing solar energy, you can take advantage of sunny days to generate electricity and potentially offset your reliance on the grid during rainy periods.

Lowden’s UV Rating

Lowden’s average UV rating of 4 places it close to the national average of 4.29, although it is slightly lower than Iowa’s average of 4.06. With an average max UV rating of 4.34, Lowden is in the 41st percentile nationally and the 50th percentile in Iowa. By installing solar panels, you can capture this UV energy to produce electricity for your home, reducing your dependency on traditional energy sources.

Lowden’s Cloud Cover

At an average of 43% cloud cover, Lowden is slightly lower than the national average of 44.46% and higher than Iowa’s average of 42.8%. With varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year, having solar panels can help maximize energy production during clearer days. By utilizing solar power, you can take advantage of sunny days to generate electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid when cloud cover is present.

Lowden Iowa Electricity Costs

Lowden residents pay around $0.15/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw. However, it aligns closely with Iowa’s average of $0.13/kw. By investing in solar panels, you can generate your electricity and potentially offset the rising costs of grid-supplied power. This shift towards solar energy can lead to long-term savings on your electricity bills while reducing your carbon footprint.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lowden 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:

  • Lowden Iowa receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Lowden Iowa are around the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Lowden Iowa is slightly lower than the national average, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Lowden Iowa pay a bit 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 on electricity bills.
  • With higher electricity rates in Lowden Iowa, the savings from the solar system are even greater.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Considering the long lifespan of solar panels, the investment will continue to provide savings for many more years. It’s a wise investment that not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Lowden Iowa

By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Lowden Iowa, it is clear that investing in solar panels can be a smart financial decision for residents. With lower precipitation levels, average UV ratings, and slightly lesser cloud cover than national averages, solar energy production in Lowden is favorable. Additionally, though residents pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average, the potential savings from solar energy usage can offset these costs in about 6 years. This means that not only does investing in solar panels lead to financial benefits, but it also contributes to a cleaner environment by reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Making the switch to solar energy in Lowden Iowa could be a wise and beneficial investment for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills.