Overview
If you’re a resident of West Des Moines, Iowa, you may be wondering whether investing in solar panels for your home is worth it. In this article, we will explore the financial benefits of installing a solar system based on local weather data and electricity costs. By analyzing the average cost of electricity in West Des Moines and the potential savings from generating your own solar power, we will show you how long it may take to break even on your investment. With a clear breakdown of the numbers and the promise of long-term savings, you may find that going solar is a smart decision for your wallet and the environment.
West Des Moines Iowa Weather Trends
West Des Moines Precipitation
In the last year, West Des Moines, Iowa received 32.57 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 15th percentile nationally and the 14th percentile in Iowa. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Iowa’s average of 36.9 inches, West Des Moines experiences less rainfall, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
West Des Moines’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.2, West Des Moines ranks in the 54th percentile in the nation and the 85th percentile in Iowa. This indicates moderate sun exposure, ensuring consistent energy generation from solar panels. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 4.59 places West Des Moines in a favorable position for harnessing solar power efficiently.
West Des Moines’s Cloud Cover
West Des Moines, Iowa had an average cloud cover of 41% in the last year, ranking it in the 31st percentile nationally and the 19th percentile in Iowa. With a lower percentage of cloud cover compared to the national and state averages, West Des Moines provides ample sunlight for solar panels to produce electricity effectively throughout the year.
West Des Moines Iowa Electricity Costs
Residents of West Des Moines pay around $0.1/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 15th percentile nationwide and the 5th percentile within Iowa. This lower-than-average cost of electricity makes investing in solar panels even more financially attractive, as it provides the opportunity to generate your own clean energy and save on utility bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in West Des Moines Iowa?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in West Des Moines, 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:
- West Des Moines gets less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in West Des Moines are slightly lower than the national average, but still adequate for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in West Des Moines is slightly below the national average, providing a good amount of sunlight for solar panels.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in West Des Moines pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar power an even more attractive option.
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:
- Solar panels generate electricity, reducing the need to purchase as much from the grid.
- With West Des Moines’ lower electricity rates, the savings are substantial.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take around 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start accumulating and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar energy is a smart way to save money and contribute to a greener future!
Investing in solar power in West Des Moines Iowa
After analyzing the financial benefits of installing solar panels in West Des Moines, Iowa, it is clear that investing in solar energy can be a smart decision for both your wallet and the environment. With lower-than-average electricity costs in the city and favorable weather conditions for efficient solar power generation, the initial investment in solar panels can be recouped in just 4-6 years. Beyond that, you can enjoy long-term savings on your utility bills while contributing to a greener future. Consider going solar as a practical and eco-friendly choice for your home!