Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Madison, WI: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Madison, WI at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5/10 4.2/10 8.1/10 3.2/10 9.5/10
Pretty Good 46% daily 3 inches monthly 3.7 on average 0.17/kw

Overview

Are you a Madison Wisconsin resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’ve been looking for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Madison, we will break down the financial benefits of going solar. With information on average precipitation, UV ratings, cloud cover, and the cost of a solar system, we will estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. Take advantage of the sun’s energy and start saving money today!

Madison Wisconsin Weather Trends

Madison Precipitation

With Madison Wisconsin receiving 35.45 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the city experiences less rainfall compared to both the national and state averages. This means that solar panels in Madison are less likely to be obstructed by rainy weather, allowing for consistent energy generation throughout the year.

Madison’s UV Rating

Madison’s average UV rating of 3.74 places it slightly below the national average but higher than the Wisconsin average. This means that Madison receives a sufficient amount of sunlight to power solar panels efficiently. With a solid UV rating, residents can expect significant energy savings by installing solar panels on their homes.

Madison’s Cloud Cover

Despite having an average cloud cover of 46%, Madison still falls below both the national and state averages. With numerous days having clear skies, solar panels in Madison have ample opportunities to absorb sunlight and convert it into energy. This makes investing in solar panels a practical and efficient way to reduce electricity bills.

Madison Wisconsin Electricity Costs

Madison residents pay about $0.17/kw for electricity, which is higher than both the national and state averages. By installing solar panels on your home, you can generate your electricity and reduce your dependency on the grid. This not only helps save money in the long run but also contributes to a greener environment for future generations.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Madison Wisconsin?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Madison Wisconsin, 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:

  • Madison Wisconsin receives less precipitation compared to the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Madison are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Madison is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Madison Wisconsin 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 need to purchase from the grid.
  • Higher electricity rates in Madison increase the savings potential.

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 start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will accumulate over the years, providing a smart financial choice while also contributing to environmental sustainability.

Investing in solar power in Madison Wisconsin

With favorable weather conditions for solar panel efficiency and higher electricity costs in Madison, Wisconsin, installing solar panels on your home can be a smart investment. By analyzing the data, we estimate that it would take approximately 6 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system. After that, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate over the system’s lifespan, providing both financial benefits and environmental sustainability. Take advantage of the sun’s energy and start saving money today by going solar!