Overview
In Plover, Iowa, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can estimate the potential savings of switching to solar energy. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system, calculate the time it will take to break even, and show you how investing in solar power can help you save money in the long run.
Plover Iowa Weather Trends
Plover Precipitation
With Plover, Iowa receiving 34.29 inches of precipitation in the last year, you may be wondering how this compares to the rest of the country and Iowa. Well, Plover falls below the national average of 50.61 inches but is slightly above Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches. Despite this, the moderate levels of precipitation in Plover make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
Plover’s UV Rating
When considering the average UV rating in Plover, Iowa, which stands at 4.01, it is important to note that this falls slightly below the national average of 4.29. However, compared to the rest of Iowa, Plover’s UV rating is in line with the state average of 4.06. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 4.3 in Plover showcases the area’s potential for solar energy production.
Plover’s Cloud Cover
Plover, Iowa experiences an average cloud cover of 41%, placing it below both the national average of 44.46% and Iowa’s average of 42.8%. Additionally, with a distribution of cloud cover days ranging from 0% to 100%, Plover offers plenty of sunny days suitable for solar energy generation. The consistent sunlight makes Plover an excellent location to install solar panels.
Plover Iowa Electricity Costs
Residents of Plover, Iowa pay about $0.17/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw. However, in comparison to the rest of Iowa, Plover’s electricity costs are in line with the state average. By investing in solar panels, you can decrease your reliance on traditional electricity sources and save money in the long run, especially in a location like Plover with ample sunlight for solar energy production.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Plover Iowa?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Plover 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:
- Plover Iowa receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Plover Iowa are slightly lower than the national average but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Plover Iowa is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Plover Iowa 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
- Given the higher electricity rates in Plover Iowa, the savings from solar power are significant.
After calculating the numbers, 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 accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels can last for 25 to 30 years, the long-term savings and benefits make it a wise financial and environmental choice. By investing in solar panels, residents of Plover Iowa can save money and contribute to a greener future.
Investing in solar power in Plover Iowa
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Plover, Iowa, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial benefits. With moderate levels of precipitation, sufficient UV ratings, and ample sunlight due to low cloud cover, Plover is an ideal location for solar energy generation. Despite slightly higher electricity costs compared to the national average, the potential savings from using solar power are substantial. By breaking down the costs and calculating the time it would take to break even on a solar installation, we found that residents of Plover can expect to see a return on their investment in as little as 6 years. The long-term savings and environmental benefits make switching to solar power a wise choice for the community of Plover, Iowa.