Overview
If you live in Mattoon, Wisconsin, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we have calculated that a solar system can save you money in the long run. In this article, we will break down the costs involved in installing solar panels and estimate how quickly you can expect to break even on your investment.
Mattoon Wisconsin Weather Trends
Mattoon Precipitation
With Mattoon receiving 37.54 inches of precipitation in the last year, it ranks in the 23rd percentile in the nation and the 27th percentile in Wisconsin. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Wisconsin’s average of 40.57 inches, Mattoon’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Mattoon’s UV Rating
Mattoon’s average UV rating of 3.49 places it in the 18th percentile in the nation and the 44th percentile in Wisconsin. With the national average at 4.29 and Wisconsin’s average at 3.51, Mattoon’s UV rating is slightly lower but still sufficient for efficient solar panel performance. Mattoon also had an average max UV rating of 3.7.
Mattoon’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Mattoon had an average of 50% cloud cover, ranking it in the 73rd percentile in the nation and the 61st percentile in Wisconsin. This moderate cloud cover provides a good balance for solar energy production. With various levels of cloud cover throughout the year, Mattoon offers consistent opportunities for solar energy generation.
Mattoon Wisconsin Electricity Costs
Residents of Mattoon pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 79th percentile in the nation and the 28th percentile in Wisconsin. Although the national average for residential electricity is the same, Wisconsin’s average is slightly higher at $0.14/kw. With lower electricity costs in Mattoon, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mattoon Wisconsin?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mattoon 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:
- Mattoon Wisconsin receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it suitable for solar panel installation.
- The UV ratings in Mattoon Wisconsin are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Mattoon Wisconsin is slightly higher than the national average, with variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Mattoon Wisconsin pay the national average for electricity, making it a decent cost for solar energy generation.
With this information, let’s break down the costs:
- A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000.
- This solar panel 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, thus saving money.
- With the national average electricity rate, the savings from solar power will help offset the initial cost of the system.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Mattoon Wisconsin. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is a smart financial decision that also contributes to a greener environment!
Investing in solar power in Mattoon Wisconsin
After considering the weather trends and electricity costs in Mattoon, Wisconsin, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings. With lower precipitation levels, sufficient UV ratings, and moderate cloud cover, Mattoon is an ideal location for solar panel installation. Additionally, residents pay a decent price for electricity, further enhancing the benefits of generating solar power. Based on our analysis, it would take approximately 5-6 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system in Mattoon. This investment not only results in financial savings but also contributes to a greener environment. By going solar, residents of Mattoon can save money and reduce their carbon footprint simultaneously.