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

Fountain, MN at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.9/10 4/10 8.1/10 3/10 9.2/10
Not Bad 46% daily 3 inches monthly 3.7 on average 0.15/kw

Overview

Are you a Fountain Minnesota resident looking to save money on your electricity bills while also helping the environment? Installing solar panels on your home could be a great investment for you. In this article, we will show you how much money you can save by switching to solar power based on the local weather data and electricity costs. We will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even, making the decision to go solar an easy and financially beneficial choice for you and your family.

Fountain Minnesota Weather Trends

Fountain Precipitation

With 35.32 inches of precipitation in the last year, Fountain Minnesota falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. While in comparison to the rest of Minnesota, Fountain is just slightly below the state average of 37.31 inches. By harnessing the power of solar panels, you can take advantage of the sunlight even in areas with lower precipitation levels, making solar a viable option for your home.

Fountain’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 3.71, Fountain Minnesota experiences sun exposure that is lower than both the national average of 4.29 and the state average of 3.6. However, with an average max UV rating of 3.96, Fountain is still within a range that is suitable for solar energy production. Installing solar panels can still be beneficial, even in areas with slightly lower UV levels.

Fountain’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 46% cloud cover in the last year, Fountain Minnesota falls between the national average of 44.46% and the state average of 48.96%. Despite some days with higher cloud cover, Fountain still has enough clear days to generate ample solar energy. By installing solar panels, you can make the most of those sunny days and reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources.

Fountain Minnesota Electricity Costs

At $0.15/kw, Fountain Minnesota residents pay more for electricity compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and the state average of $0.13/kw. By switching to solar power, you can take control of your energy costs and reduce your monthly electricity bills. Investing in solar panels now can lead to significant long-term savings, making it a smart financial decision for your home.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fountain 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:

  • Fountain Minnesota receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Fountain Minnesota are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Fountain Minnesota is slightly higher than the national average, varying throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Fountain Minnesota 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.
  • With higher electricity rates in Fountain Minnesota, the savings are significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, the savings will continue for many years after that initial period. It’s a wise investment that not only saves money but also contributes to environmental conservation!

Investing in solar power in Fountain Minnesota

Installing solar panels in Fountain Minnesota can be a smart financial decision for residents looking to save money on electricity bills. Despite receiving slightly less sunlight and experiencing slightly more cloud cover than national averages, Fountain still offers a suitable environment for solar energy production. With higher electricity costs than the national average, switching to solar power can lead to significant long-term savings. Based on the local weather data and electricity costs, it would take approximately 4-5 years to break even on the initial investment in solar panels. Considering the lifespan of the solar system, this investment can continue to provide savings for many years, making it not only a financially beneficial choice but also an environmentally friendly one for you and your family.