Overview
In Thompson, Iowa, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Thompson, we can show you how a solar system can pay for itself over time. With the average amount of precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover taken into account, you can make an informed decision on whether solar panels are the right choice for your home. Let us break down the costs and estimated payback period for you.
Thompson Iowa Weather Trends
Thompson Precipitation
With 36.96 inches of precipitation in the last year, Thompson Iowa is in the 22nd percentile in the nation and the 63rd percentile in Iowa. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches, Thompson experiences moderate rainfall. Investing in solar panels can help harness energy even on rainy days, making it a smart choice for Thompson residents looking to save on their electricity bills.
Thompson’s UV Rating
Thompson Iowa had an average UV rating of 3.86 in the last year, ranking it in the 39th percentile in the nation and the 16th percentile in Iowa. With the national average at 4.29 and Iowa’s average at 4.06, Thompson has decent sun exposure for solar panel efficiency. Installing solar panels can take advantage of the available sunlight, providing a reliable source of clean energy for your home.
Thompson’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, Thompson Iowa is in the 47th percentile in the nation and the 66th percentile in Iowa. Despite having some cloudy days, Thompson still has good potential for solar energy production. By installing solar panels, you can generate electricity even on cloudy days, reducing your reliance on the grid and lowering your energy costs.
Thompson Iowa Electricity Costs
Thompson Iowa residents pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, placing them in the 89th percentile in the nation and the 82nd percentile in Iowa. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Iowa’s average of $0.13/kw, Thompson’s electricity costs are slightly higher. Installing solar panels can help offset these costs and provide long-term savings on your energy bills. By generating your own clean energy, you can protect yourself from future rate hikes and reduce your carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Thompson Iowa?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Thompson 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:
- Thompson Iowa receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Thompson Iowa are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Thompson Iowa is close to the national average, with variations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Thompson Iowa pay slightly 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 amount needed from the grid.
- Considering the higher electricity rates in Thompson Iowa, the savings are significant.
After calculations, it appears that it would take around 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Keep in mind, solar panels have a long lifespan, so beyond the initial period, you’ll continue to enjoy savings for many years. It’s a smart financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Thompson Iowa
With moderate rainfall, decent sun exposure, and good potential for solar energy production, Thompson, Iowa proves to be a suitable location for installing solar panels. Despite slightly higher electricity costs compared to the national average, the investment in solar panels can lead to significant financial savings over time. By harnessing clean energy from the sun, residents can expect to break even on the initial cost within approximately 5 years. This smart financial decision not only provides long-term savings on electricity bills but also contributes to reducing carbon emissions, making it a win-win situation for both your wallet and the environment.