Overview
If you live in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, installing solar panels on your home could save you a significant amount of money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to our area, we can estimate how long it would take for a solar system to pay for itself through savings on your monthly electric bill. Over 365 days, we found that the weather conditions in Stevens Point make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Let’s break down the costs and potential savings to show you why investing in solar panels is a smart financial decision for residents in our city.
Stevens Point Wisconsin Weather Trends
Stevens Point Precipitation
Stevens Point, Wisconsin, receives 37.73 inches of precipitation annually, ranking it in the 23rd percentile nationwide and the 29th percentile within Wisconsin. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Wisconsin averages 40.57 inches. With lower precipitation levels than most of the country, Stevens Point offers ideal conditions for solar panel installation.
Stevens Point’s UV Rating
Over the last year, Stevens Point had an average UV rating of 3.48, placing it in the 18th percentile across the nation and the 41st percentile within Wisconsin. The national average UV rating is 4.29, with Wisconsin averaging at 3.51. Additionally, Stevens Point’s average max UV rating of 3.7 positions it in the 23rd percentile nationally and the 55th percentile in Wisconsin. These UV levels create excellent conditions for solar energy production in our city.
Stevens Point’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 49%, Stevens Point ranks in the 72nd percentile nationwide and the 57th percentile within Wisconsin. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, with Wisconsin slightly higher at 49.97%. Stevens Point experiences a range of cloud cover throughout the year, offering a balance that benefits solar panel efficiency. With 86 clear days and 82 cloudy days annually, there are plenty of opportunities for solar energy generation.
Stevens Point Wisconsin Electricity Costs
Residents of Stevens Point pay around $0.12 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, positioning the city in the 44th percentile across the country and the 3rd percentile in Wisconsin. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kWh, while Wisconsin averages $0.14/kWh. Lower electricity costs in Stevens Point make investing in solar panels an economically wise decision, allowing homeowners to save significantly on their energy bills over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Stevens Point Wisconsin?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Stevens Point 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:
- Stevens Point Wisconsin receives less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Stevens Point Wisconsin are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Stevens Point Wisconsin is slightly higher than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Stevens Point Wisconsin 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 needed to be purchased from the grid.
- With slightly lower electricity rates in Stevens Point Wisconsin, the savings may take a bit longer compared to other areas.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Considering that solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. It’s a wise investment to both save money and contribute to environmental sustainability!
Investing in solar power in Stevens Point Wisconsin
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, it is evident that investing in solar panels is a smart financial decision for residents of our city. With lower precipitation levels, adequate UV ratings, and varying cloud cover throughout the year, Stevens Point offers ideal conditions for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, with lower electricity costs compared to the national average, homeowners can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 7 years. Not only will this provide long-term savings on energy bills, but it also contributes to environmental sustainability. Overall, installing solar panels in Stevens Point is a wise choice for both financial and environmental reasons.