Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Preston, IA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Preston, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.2/10 5.4/10 7.5/10 4.4/10 8.8/10
Pretty Good 43% daily 3 inches monthly 4 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

Are you a resident of Preston, Iowa looking to save money on your electricity bill? Consider installing solar panels on your home! By analyzing weather data specific to Preston, including inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and average percentage cloud cover, we have determined that a solar system can help you break even in a reasonable amount of time. With basic electricity costs on the rise, investing in solar energy can lead to significant savings over time. Find out more about the financial benefits of going solar in Preston, Iowa.

Preston Iowa Weather Trends

Preston Precipitation

With 38.89 inches of precipitation in the last year, Preston, Iowa received less rainfall than the national average of 50.61 inches. While Preston falls in the 84th percentile for total precipitation in Iowa, the state’s average of 36.9 inches is lower than what Preston experienced. By harnessing the power of solar energy, you can reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources, making your home more sustainable in the long run.

Preston’s UV Rating

Preston’s average UV rating of 3.97 places it below the national average of 4.29, but slightly above Iowa’s average of 4.06. When considering the average max UV rating of 4.27, Preston again falls below the national average of 4.61 but remains above Iowa’s average of 4.38. Embracing solar energy can help you take advantage of the sunlight available in Preston, contributing to reduced electricity costs and a greener environment for future generations.

Preston’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, Preston sits slightly below the national average of 44.46% but above Iowa’s average of 42.8%. The distribution of cloud cover days in Preston offers ample opportunities to generate solar power efficiently, with 128 days of clear skies and 92 days of moderately cloudy conditions. By installing solar panels, you can make the most of these favorable weather conditions and lower your electricity bills over time.

Preston Iowa Electricity Costs

Preston residents pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw but on par with Iowa’s average. Despite the relatively higher electricity costs in Preston, investing in solar panels can provide long-term savings on your energy bills. By generating your electricity from the sun, you can shield yourself from future price hikes and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment in Preston, Iowa.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Preston Iowa?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Preston 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:

  • Preston Iowa gets slightly less rain than the national average, and it has decent UV ratings for solar power generation.
  • The cloud cover in Preston Iowa is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Preston Iowa pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, which is slightly higher compared to the national average of $0.13/kw.

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, especially with higher electricity rates in Preston Iowa.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start making up for the investment. And remember, solar panels can last for up to 30 years, so you’ll enjoy those savings for many years to come. It’s a great way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Preston Iowa

Investing in solar panels in Preston, Iowa can be a smart financial decision that leads to significant long-term savings on electricity bills. By taking advantage of the favorable weather conditions, including lower than average precipitation, decent UV ratings, and moderate cloud cover, residents can expect to break even on the initial cost of a solar system in about 5-6 years. With rising electricity costs in Preston, solar energy offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative that benefits both your wallet and the environment for years to come.