Overview
Are you looking to save money on your electricity bills in Estelline, South Dakota? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs in your area, we can show you how a solar system can help you break even on your investment in a shorter time than you might think. Learn more about the financial benefits of going solar in Estelline and start saving money today.
Estelline South Dakota Weather Trends
Estelline Precipitation
With Estelline receiving 33.78 inches of precipitation in the last year, you may be surprised to learn that this actually puts you in the 16th percentile in the nation. Comparatively, though, you fall in the 45th percentile in South Dakota. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while South Dakota’s average sits at 34.67 inches. In terms of rainfall, Estelline’s climate falls on the drier side compared to other places in the country and the state.
Estelline’s UV Rating
Estelline experienced an average UV rating of 3.59 in the last year, placing it in the 23rd percentile nationwide and the 9th percentile in South Dakota. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, slightly higher than in Estelline, while South Dakota’s average is 3.96. Additionally, the average max UV rating in Estelline was 3.79, placing it in the 25th percentile in the nation and the 13th percentile in South Dakota. While UV levels may be moderate, there is still a considerable amount of sunlight to be utilized for solar panels.
Estelline’s Cloud Cover
Estelline experienced an average of 46% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 57th percentile in the nation and the 88th percentile in South Dakota. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, with South Dakota’s average slightly lower at 40.74%. Estelline had a significant number of days with cloud cover within different ranges, which may impact solar power generation. However, there are still plenty of opportunities for solar energy production throughout the year.
Estelline South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents in Estelline pay approximately $0.11 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, positioning the town in the 23rd percentile nationally and the 28th percentile within South Dakota. The national average for residential electricity is slightly higher at $0.13/kw, while South Dakota’s average matches that of Estelline at $0.11/kw. By embracing solar power, you can reduce your reliance on grid electricity and potentially lower your energy bills even further while contributing to a greener environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Estelline South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Estelline 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:
- Estelline South Dakota gets less precipitation compared to the national average, and it has decent UV ratings for solar panel efficiency.
- Cloud cover is slightly higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Estelline South Dakota pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is a good thing for potential savings with solar panels.
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 and saving money on bills.
- With Estelline South Dakota’s lower electricity rates, the savings might not be as high as in other locations, but they still add up over time.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6 to 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 6 to 7 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to make the investment worthwhile. Since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years ahead. It’s a wise financial decision that also contributes to a greener environment!
Investing in solar power in Estelline South Dakota
Embracing solar power in Estelline, South Dakota can be a smart financial decision that not only helps you save money on electricity bills but also contributes to a greener environment. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in the area, it’s clear that investing in solar panels can help you break even on your initial investment in as little as 6 to 7 years. With moderate UV ratings and slightly higher cloud cover, there are still plenty of opportunities for solar energy production in Estelline. So why wait? Start saving money today by going solar!