Overview
Are you a Parkersburg Iowa resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart investment. In this article, we will show you how the weather data in Parkersburg, including inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and average percentage cloud cover, can make solar energy a reliable option. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating how long it will take to break even, we will demonstrate the financial benefits of going solar in Parkersburg Iowa.
Parkersburg Iowa Weather Trends
Parkersburg Precipitation
With Parkersburg Iowa receiving 35.74 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, when compared to the rest of Iowa, Parkersburg is not far off from the state’s average of 36.9 inches. By harnessing solar energy, Parkersburg residents can take advantage of the ample sunlight available, even with moderate precipitation levels.
Parkersburg’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 3.97 places Parkersburg in the 44th percentile nationally and the 38th percentile in Iowa. Although slightly lower than the national average of 4.29, Parkersburg’s UV rating is comparable to the state’s average of 4.06. With a solid average max UV rating of 4.28, embracing solar power in Parkersburg can be an effective way to benefit from the local sunshine.
Parkersburg’s Cloud Cover
At an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, Parkersburg ranks in the 44th percentile nationally and the 57th percentile in Iowa. While this may indicate some cloudy days throughout the year, the majority of days in Parkersburg fall below 50% cloud cover. This presents an opportunity for residents to rely on solar energy as a consistent power source.
Parkersburg Iowa Electricity Costs
With Parkersburg residents paying about $0.12/kw for electricity, they are below the national average of $0.13/kw. However, compared to the rest of Iowa, Parkersburg is in the 20th percentile for electricity costs. By switching to solar power, residents can not only save money in the long run but also contribute to a cleaner environment for future generations.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Parkersburg Iowa?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Parkersburg Iowa, 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:
- Parkersburg Iowa receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings are slightly below the national average, but still conducive to generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Parkersburg Iowa is slightly below the national average, providing good sunlight for solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Parkersburg Iowa pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for solar energy savings.
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, saving money on electricity bills.
- With Parkersburg Iowa’s lower electricity rates, the savings might take a bit longer to cover the initial cost.
After calculating the numbers, it appears it could take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Parkersburg Iowa. This means that after 8-10 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Considering the long lifespan of solar panels, the savings will continue for many years after the initial payback period. It’s a smart investment for saving money and reducing reliance on grid electricity while benefiting the environment.
Investing in solar power in Parkersburg Iowa
Installing solar panels in Parkersburg, Iowa can be a wise decision for residents looking to save money on electricity bills. With favorable weather conditions, including moderate precipitation levels, decent UV ratings, and lower cloud cover, solar energy can be a reliable source of power in the area. Additionally, with electricity costs below the national average, transitioning to solar power not only leads to long-term financial benefits but also contributes to a cleaner environment. Based on the calculations, it is estimated that residents could break even on their investment in solar panels within 8-10 years, leading to years of savings and a reduced reliance on grid electricity. Overall, going solar in Parkersburg, Iowa is a smart investment with both financial and environmental advantages.