Overview
If you’re a resident of Midland, Michigan, you may be wondering if installing solar panels on your home is a worthwhile investment. Our article will provide you with weather data specific to Midland, including the average inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and average percentage cloud cover over a 365-day period. We’ll also break down the basic electricity costs in the area and estimate the cost of a solar system, along with how long it will take to break even. By the end, you’ll see just how much you can save by going solar in Midland.
Midland Michigan Weather Trends
Midland Precipitation
With 44.95 inches of precipitation in the last year, Midland Michigan is below the national average of 50.61 inches but above the state average of 44.01 inches. Despite this, installing solar panels can still greatly benefit Midland residents by providing energy savings and reducing carbon footprint.
Midland’s UV Rating
Midland Michigan had an average UV rating of 3.5 in the last year, lower than the national average of 4.29 but higher than Michigan’s average of 3.43. Even with moderate UV ratings, solar panels can still efficiently harness sunlight to generate electricity, making them a smart investment for Midland homeowners.
Midland’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 52% cloud cover in the last year, Midland Michigan experiences more cloudy days than the national average of 44.46% but similar to Michigan’s average of 52.98%. However, solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, making them a reliable source of clean energy for Midland residents.
Midland Michigan Electricity Costs
Midland Michigan residents pay $0.16/kw for electricity, slightly higher than the national average of $0.13/kw but on par with Michigan’s average of $0.16/kw. By installing solar panels, homeowners can offset these electricity costs and potentially eliminate them altogether, leading to significant savings over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Midland Michigan?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Midland, 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:
- Midland receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Midland are slightly below the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Midland is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Midland 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 to be purchased from the grid.
- With Midland’s higher electricity rates, the savings can add up over time.
Based on the data and calculations, it looks like it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. After this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and make the investment worthwhile. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so the savings will continue for many years after the initial investment has been recouped. It’s a smart financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Midland Michigan
Installing solar panels in Midland, Michigan can be a smart financial decision that also benefits the environment. Despite slightly lower UV ratings and higher cloud cover compared to national averages, solar panels can still efficiently generate electricity and provide energy savings for residents. With electricity costs in Midland slightly above the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings over time. Based on our calculations, it could take about 5-6 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system. After that, homeowners can enjoy continued savings on electricity bills for many more years. Going solar in Midland is not only financially rewarding but also a sustainable choice for the future.