Solar By City

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

Tama, IA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.6/10 5.6/10 8.4/10 4.7/10 9.5/10
Pretty Good 43% daily 3 inches monthly 4 on average 0.17/kw

Overview

Are you looking to save money on your electricity bills in Tama, Iowa? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Tama, we can estimate the financial benefits of going solar. With a breakdown of the upfront cost of a solar system and the projected time it will take to break even, you can see how investing in solar energy could put money back in your pocket in the long run.

Tama Iowa Weather Trends

Tama Precipitation

With Tama, Iowa receiving about 33.54 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the rest of Iowa, Tama is also below the state’s average of 36.9 inches. This means that Tama residents have less rain to worry about when considering solar panel installation, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy efficiently.

Tama’s UV Rating

Looking at Tama’s average UV rating of 4.03 in the last year, it is slightly below the national average of 4.29. However, when compared to the state of Iowa, Tama’s UV rating is slightly above the state average of 4.06. With an average max UV rating of 4.35, Tama is in a good position to benefit from solar energy, as the sunlight is plentiful enough to generate significant electricity savings.

Tama’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, Tama falls just below the national average of 44.46%. Compared to the rest of Iowa, Tama has slightly more cloud cover than the state average of 42.8%. Despite this, there are still plenty of days with clear skies in Tama, making it a viable location for installing solar panels that can generate electricity efficiently.

Tama Iowa Electricity Costs

At a rate of about $0.17/kw for electricity, Tama residents pay more than the national average of $0.13/kw. However, when compared to the rest of Iowa, Tama’s electricity costs are in line with the state average of $0.13/kw. By investing in solar panels, residents can take control of their energy costs and reduce their reliance on the grid, ultimately saving money in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Tama, 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:

  • Tama, Iowa receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Tama, Iowa are slightly below the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Tama, Iowa is slightly lower than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Tama, Iowa pay more for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.17/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.
  • Given Tama’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are more significant.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the initial investment. With solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the savings can continue to accumulate well into the future. Investing in solar power is not only financially beneficial but also helps reduce your environmental impact, making it a wise decision in the long run!

Investing in solar power in Tama Iowa

By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Tama, Iowa, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings. With lower precipitation, decent UV ratings, and manageable cloud cover, Tama is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy efficiently. Despite paying slightly more for electricity compared to the national average, the upfront cost of a solar system can be recouped in approximately 6 years. With solar panels lasting up to 30 years, the financial benefits of going solar extend well into the future. Not only does solar energy put money back in your pocket, but it also helps reduce your environmental impact, making it a smart choice for residents in Tama, Iowa.