Overview
Are you a Harrisburg South Dakota resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a wise financial decision. In this article, we will break down the costs of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Harrisburg, we will show you the potential financial benefits of going solar.
Harrisburg South Dakota Weather Trends
Harrisburg Precipitation
With Harrisburg South Dakota receiving 168.81 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s evident that the city sees a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and South Dakota’s average of 34.67 inches, Harrisburg stands out in terms of its precipitation levels. By harnessing the power of solar energy, residents can take advantage of this abundant natural resource.
Harrisburg’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 6.23 in the last year, Harrisburg South Dakota enjoys ample sunlight. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and South Dakota’s average of 3.96, Harrisburg’s high UV rating makes it an ideal location for solar energy production. With an average max UV rating of 6.28, residents can benefit from the strong sunlight for a more extended period of time each day.
Harrisburg’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average of 64% cloud cover in the last year, Harrisburg South Dakota still experiences a significant amount of sun exposure. With the national average for cloud cover at 44.46% and South Dakota’s average at 40.74%, residents of Harrisburg have ample opportunities to generate solar power. Even on days with higher cloud cover, solar panels can still produce electricity, helping homeowners save on their energy costs.
Harrisburg South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Harrisburg South Dakota pay about $0.12 per kilowatt-hour for electricity. While this puts Harrisburg below the national average of $0.13/kw, it is slightly higher than South Dakota’s average of $0.11/kw. By installing solar panels, homeowners can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and lock in savings on their energy bills. Investing in solar power can lead to long-term financial benefits for residents of Harrisburg.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harrisburg South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harrisburg, 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:
- Harrisburg gets significantly more precipitation than the national average, but it still receives a good amount of sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Harrisburg are higher than the national average, making it a suitable location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Harrisburg is higher than the national average, which can impact the efficiency of solar panels.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Harrisburg pay slightly less 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 Harrisburg’s electricity rates, the savings are good.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels can last for 25-30 years, there will be many years of savings beyond the break-even point. It’s a wise financial decision and helps the environment too!
Investing in solar power in Harrisburg South Dakota
Installing solar panels in Harrisburg South Dakota can be a smart financial move for residents looking to save on electricity bills. With abundant sunlight and slightly higher-than-average precipitation levels, Harrisburg is well-suited for solar energy production. Despite some cloud cover, solar panels can still generate electricity, helping homeowners reduce their reliance on traditional power sources. With electricity costs slightly above the state average, investing in solar power could lead to long-term financial benefits. Based on the data, it could take around 7-8 years to break even on the initial investment, with many years of savings to follow. By going solar, residents of Harrisburg can save money and contribute to a cleaner environment for years to come.