Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Waters, MI: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Waters, MI at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.5/10 0.8/10 6.5/10 0.6/10 9.4/10
Not Bad 57% daily 4 inches monthly 3.1 on average 0.16/kw

Overview

In Waters Michigan, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Waters Michigan, we can estimate the cost of a solar system and how long it will take to break even. With ample sunshine, low levels of cloud cover, and moderate precipitation, Waters Michigan provides an ideal environment for solar energy production. This means that homeowners can expect to see a substantial reduction in their electricity bills over time, making the initial investment in solar panels well worth it.

Waters Michigan Weather Trends

Waters Precipitation

With Waters Michigan receiving 43.86 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches but just around Michigan’s average of 44.01 inches. Despite this, the lower levels of precipitation in Waters compared to the country can be advantageous for solar panel efficiency, as less rain means more sunlight for energy production.

Waters’s UV Rating

Waters Michigan’s average UV rating of 3.15 may seem lower compared to the national average of 4.29 and Michigan’s average of 3.43. However, with an average max UV rating of 3.34, Waters is still in the middle percentile range among the nation and Michigan. This ample sunlight is ideal for generating solar energy and can result in substantial savings on electricity bills.

Waters’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 57% cloud cover in the last year, Waters Michigan ranks high compared to the national and state averages. Although the cloud cover may seem high, there are still plenty of clear days for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. In fact, with 71 days of low cloud cover, homeowners in Waters can expect significant energy production from solar panels.

Waters Michigan Electricity Costs

Waters Michigan residents paying about $0.16/kw for electricity are slightly above the national average of $0.13/kw but in line with Michigan’s average of $0.16/kw. Despite this, investing in solar panels can lead to long-term financial benefits by reducing electricity bills and potentially even generating excess energy to sell back to the grid. Over time, the initial investment in solar panels can prove to be a wise financial decision for Waters residents.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Waters Michigan?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Waters Michigan, 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:

  • Waters Michigan gets slightly less rain than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover is higher than the national average, with variations throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Waters Michigan pay 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 Waters Michigan’s higher electricity rates, the savings would be significant.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-6 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate, eventually paying off the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many more years. Investing in solar panels not only saves money but also contributes positively to the environment in the long run.

Investing in solar power in Waters Michigan

Investing in solar panels in Waters Michigan can be a financially smart decision. With ample sunshine, moderate precipitation, and higher electricity costs in the region, homeowners can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 5-6 years. After that, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, making the initial cost well worth it. By harnessing the power of solar energy, residents in Waters not only save money but also make a positive impact on the environment for years to come.