Overview
Living in Niagara, Wisconsin, you may be wondering how you can save money on your electricity bill while also being environmentally conscious. By harnessing the power of the sun with solar panels, you can significantly reduce your energy costs over time. With our analysis of weather data and electricity costs, we will show you the financial benefits of installing a solar system on your home, including the potential savings and estimated payback period.
Niagara Wisconsin Weather Trends
Niagara Precipitation
With Niagara Wisconsin receiving 35.97 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is important to note that this places Niagara below the national average of 50.61 inches and below the state average of 40.57 inches. By having less rainfall, Niagara residents can take advantage of the sunny days to generate more solar energy for their homes.
Niagara’s UV Rating
At an average UV rating of 3.23 in the last year, Niagara Wisconsin falls below both the national average of 4.29 and the state average of 3.51. Even though it may not seem like the sun is always shining in Niagara, the UV rays are still strong enough to provide significant energy for solar panels to generate electricity.
Niagara’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 55% cloud cover in the last year, Niagara Wisconsin ranks above the national and state averages of 44.46% and 49.97%, respectively. Despite having some cloud cover throughout the year, there are still enough sunny days in Niagara for solar panels to be a viable energy source.
Niagara Wisconsin Electricity Costs
Residents in Niagara pay about $0.15/kw for electricity, which is higher than both the national average of $0.13/kw and the state average of $0.14/kw. By installing solar panels, Niagara residents can take control of their electricity costs and reduce their dependency on traditional grid power, ultimately saving money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Niagara Wisconsin?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Niagara 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:
- Niagara Wisconsin receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Niagara Wisconsin are slightly lower than the national average but are still good for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Niagara Wisconsin is higher than the national average, with some days having minimal cloud cover and others having heavy cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Niagara Wisconsin 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.
- With slightly higher electricity rates in Niagara Wisconsin, the savings can accumulate over time.
After analyzing the data, it seems like it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that beyond the 5-6 year mark, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to make up for the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for decades, the savings will continue for many years to follow. Investing in solar energy not only helps save money but also contributes to a greener environment.
Investing in solar power in Niagara Wisconsin
Considering the weather trends and electricity costs in Niagara Wisconsin, it is clear that installing solar panels can have significant financial benefits for residents. Despite receiving less precipitation and having slightly lower UV ratings than national averages, Niagara still offers plenty of sunny days to generate solar energy. With higher electricity costs in the area, investing in solar panels can lead to savings that would potentially cover the initial cost within 5-6 years. By harnessing the power of the sun, residents can not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.