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Solar and Electricity Data for Saint Francis, MN: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Saint Francis, MN at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.4/10 5.2/10 8.6/10 5/10 8.2/10
Pretty Good 44% daily 3 inches monthly 4.1 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

Discover how you can save money and reduce your electricity bills by installing solar panels on your home in Saint Francis, Minnesota. By examining the weather patterns and electricity costs in the area, we can show you how quickly you can recoup the initial investment in a solar system. Learn about the financial benefits of going solar and why it’s a smart decision for homeowners in Saint Francis.

Saint Francis Minnesota Weather Trends

Saint Francis Precipitation

With Saint Francis receiving 31.87 inches of precipitation last year, it falls below the national and Minnesota averages. While the national average is 50.61 inches, Minnesota’s average is 37.31 inches. By harnessing the power of solar panels, residents can offset their electricity usage and reduce their carbon footprint, especially in an area with lower precipitation levels like Saint Francis.

Saint Francis’s UV Rating

Having an average UV rating of 4.11 places Saint Francis at the 50th percentile nationwide, but significantly higher within Minnesota at the 96th percentile. Compared to the national average of 4.29, Saint Francis residents receive sufficient sunlight to generate solar power effectively. With an average maximum UV rating of 4.36, Saint Francis is in a prime position to benefit from investing in solar energy.

Saint Francis’s Cloud Cover

With an average cloud cover of 44% in Saint Francis, residents enjoy ample sunshine for solar panel efficiency. While this percentage is slightly below the national average of 44.46%, it is significantly lower than Minnesota’s average of 48.96%. With a variety of cloud cover days throughout the year, Saint Francis provides consistent opportunities for solar energy production.

Saint Francis Minnesota Electricity Costs

Saint Francis residents pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, placing them above the national average but below the Minnesota average. The national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, with Minnesota matching this rate. By investing in solar panels, homeowners in Saint Francis can take control of their energy costs and reduce their reliance on traditional power sources.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Saint Francis Minnesota?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Saint Francis Minnesota, 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:

  • Saint Francis Minnesota receives less precipitation compared to the national average, providing favorable conditions for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Saint Francis Minnesota are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Saint Francis Minnesota is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Saint Francis Minnesota 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 to be purchased from the grid.
  • With slightly higher electricity rates in Saint Francis Minnesota, the savings are significant.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after 6 years, the money you save on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels last for many years, you will continue to enjoy these savings for a long time. Investing in solar energy is both financially smart and environmentally friendly!

Investing in solar power in Saint Francis Minnesota

After considering the weather patterns and electricity costs in Saint Francis, Minnesota, it is clear that investing in solar panels is a wise financial decision for homeowners in the area. With lower levels of precipitation, sufficient sunlight, and reasonable electricity rates, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar energy in about 6 years. Not only will this result in long-term savings on electricity bills, but it will also reduce reliance on traditional power sources and benefit the environment. By going solar, homeowners in Saint Francis can take control of their energy costs and contribute to a more sustainable future.