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

Ruthven, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.5/10 6.5/10 8/10 4.3/10 3.9/10
Not Bad 41% daily 3 inches monthly 4 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

In Ruthven, Iowa, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Ruthven, it is clear that solar energy is a practical and cost-effective option for residents. This article will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate the time it will take to break even, and highlight the financial benefits of going solar in Ruthven.

Ruthven Iowa Weather Trends

Ruthven Precipitation

With Ruthven Iowa receiving 35.73 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area experiences less rainfall compared to the national average of 50.61 inches. However, Ruthven still falls within the 46th percentile in Iowa, indicating that while it is on the lower end for the state, it is not significantly different from the average. Installing solar panels in Ruthven can still be a reliable source of energy despite the lower precipitation levels.

Ruthven’s UV Rating

Having an average UV rating of 3.95, Ruthven Iowa is slightly below the national average of 4.29. However, it is essential to note that Ruthven’s UV rating of 3.95 places it in the 34th percentile in Iowa, showing that it is relatively consistent with the state average. With an average max UV rating of 4.25, Ruthven is slightly lower than the national average of 4.61. Despite this, Ruthven’s UV ratings are still suitable for harnessing solar energy effectively.

Ruthven’s Cloud Cover

With an average cloud cover of 41%, Ruthven Iowa experiences fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46%. In Iowa, Ruthven falls slightly below the average of 42.8% for cloud cover. Additionally, the distribution of cloud cover days in Ruthven indicates a good balance, with a significant number of days falling within the optimal range for solar energy production. This means that installing solar panels in Ruthven can lead to efficient energy generation throughout the year.

Ruthven Iowa Electricity Costs

Residents of Ruthven pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, which is lower than both the national average of $0.13/kw and Iowa’s average of $0.13/kw. This places Ruthven in a favorable position for financial savings by transitioning to solar energy. By installing solar panels on your home, you can further reduce your electricity costs and take advantage of the abundant sunlight in Ruthven to generate your electricity sustainably.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Ruthven, 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:

  • Ruthven, Iowa receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good candidate for solar panel installation.
  • The UV ratings in Ruthven are slightly lower than the national average but are still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Ruthven is slightly lower than the national average, with some variability throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Ruthven, Iowa pay slightly less 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 purchased from the grid.
  • With lower electricity rates in Ruthven, the savings are still significant.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like 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 pay off the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so you will continue to enjoy those savings for many years. It’s a smart investment that not only saves money but also contributes to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in Ruthven Iowa

Installing solar panels in Ruthven, Iowa is a wise investment for residents looking to save money on electricity bills. With lower precipitation, decent UV ratings, and optimal cloud cover, Ruthven provides a suitable environment for generating solar power efficiently. Additionally, residents in Ruthven pay less for electricity compared to the national average, further enhancing the financial benefits of going solar. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to Ruthven, it is evident that transitioning to solar energy can lead to significant long-term savings. Therefore, making the switch to solar power in Ruthven is not only practical but also a cost-effective option for homeowners in the area.