Overview
In Onalaska, Wisconsin, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing data on weather patterns and electricity costs specific to the area, we have determined that solar energy can help you save money in the long run. With a breakdown of the costs involved in setting up a solar system and an estimation of the time it will take to break even, you can see how investing in solar power is a smart choice for your wallet.
Onalaska Wisconsin Weather Trends
Onalaska Precipitation
With Onalaska receiving 35.16 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches and the Wisconsin average of 40.57 inches. Despite being in the 19th percentile nationally and 6th percentile in Wisconsin, the amount of precipitation can still provide enough water to power your solar panels and reduce your reliance on the grid.
Onalaska’s UV Rating
Onalaska’s average UV rating of 3.75 places it below the national average of 4.29 but above Wisconsin’s average of 3.51. The higher levels of UV rays in Onalaska compared to the rest of the state can efficiently generate solar energy for your home throughout the year. With a max UV rating of 4.03, you can harness more sunlight for your solar panels than other locations in Wisconsin.
Onalaska’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average of 46% cloud cover, which is slightly higher than the national average of 44.46% and lower than Wisconsin’s average of 49.97%, Onalaska still has plenty of clear days suitable for solar energy production. With a significant number of days with low cloud cover percentages, you can count on consistent sunlight to power your solar panels efficiently.
Onalaska Wisconsin Electricity Costs
At $0.14/kw for electricity, Onalaska residents pay above the national average of $0.13/kw but match Wisconsin’s average. By installing solar panels, you can offset these electricity costs and potentially even sell excess energy back to the grid, providing you with additional savings in the long run. The investment in solar power can help you take control of your electricity expenses and reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Onalaska Wisconsin?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Onalaska 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:
- Onalaska Wisconsin receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Onalaska Wisconsin are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Onalaska Wisconsin is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Onalaska Wisconsin pay slightly 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 slightly higher electricity rates in Onalaska Wisconsin, the savings from solar power are also slightly higher.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, those savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is a smart financial and environmental decision for residents in Onalaska Wisconsin.
Investing in solar power in Onalaska Wisconsin
With the data analyzed for Onalaska, Wisconsin, it is evident that installing solar panels can lead to significant financial benefits for residents in the area. By harnessing the lower precipitation levels, higher UV ratings, and substantial sunlight due to lower cloud cover, solar energy can help reduce electricity costs in the long run. Despite paying slightly more for electricity compared to the national average, investing in solar power can result in breaking even on the initial cost within approximately 6 years. This decision not only provides financial savings but also allows residents to take control of their energy expenses and reduce reliance on traditional sources. In conclusion, choosing to invest in solar power in Onalaska, Wisconsin is a wise choice for both your wallet and the environment.