Overview
In Aurora, South Dakota, investing in solar panels for your home can lead to significant long-term savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can show you how much you can save by switching to solar. With the right information, you can make an informed decision on whether solar power is the right choice for you in Aurora, South Dakota.
Aurora South Dakota Weather Trends
Aurora Precipitation
Living in Aurora, South Dakota means you experience a high amount of precipitation throughout the year. With 100.56 inches of precipitation in the last year, Aurora is in the 99th percentile both nationally and within the state of South Dakota. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while South Dakota’s average is 34.67 inches. This abundant rainfall can be harnessed through solar panels to generate electricity, reducing your dependency on traditional power sources.
Aurora’s UV Rating
Looking at the UV ratings in Aurora, South Dakota, it is apparent that the region receives high levels of ultraviolet radiation. With an average UV rating of 6.33, Aurora ranks in the 98th percentile nationally and locally. The national average UV rating is 4.29, while South Dakota’s average stands at 3.96. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 6.59, Aurora is positioned in the 88th percentile nationwide and the 97th percentile within South Dakota. This abundance of UV radiation presents an ideal opportunity to harness solar energy for your home.
Aurora’s Cloud Cover
Cloud cover in Aurora, South Dakota averages around 51%, placing it in the 76th percentile nationally and the 98th percentile within the state. Comparatively, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while South Dakota’s average is 40.74%. With varying degrees of cloud cover throughout the year, ranging from 0% to 100%, installing solar panels can still be a viable option to generate electricity and take advantage of the clear days for maximum production.
Aurora South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Aurora, South Dakota pay approximately $0.11 per kilowatt-hour for electricity. This places Aurora in the 23rd percentile nationally and the 28th percentile locally. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity costs is $0.13 per kilowatt-hour, and South Dakota’s average is also $0.11 per kilowatt-hour. By switching to solar power, you can significantly reduce your electricity expenses and take advantage of the abundant sunlight in Aurora to generate your own clean energy.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Aurora South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Aurora, South Dakota, 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:
- Aurora receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has sufficient sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Aurora are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Aurora is slightly higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Aurora pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.11/kw.
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 Aurora’s electricity rates, the savings from using solar power will be significant.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years after the initial payback period. Investing in solar panels is a wise choice for saving money and contributing to environmental sustainability at the same time!
Investing in solar power in Aurora South Dakota
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Aurora, South Dakota, it is evident that investing in solar panels for your home can lead to significant long-term savings. With high precipitation levels providing ample rainfall for solar energy production, along with abundant UV radiation and varying cloud cover, Aurora offers an ideal environment for harnessing solar power. When considering the relatively low electricity costs in Aurora, switching to solar can help you save money and take advantage of the sunlight to generate your own clean energy. With an estimated payback period of 5 years for a standard solar system, investing in solar panels in Aurora, South Dakota is a smart choice for both financial savings and environmental sustainability.