Overview
If you’re a resident of Summit, South Dakota, you may be wondering if installing solar panels on your home is worth the investment. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we can show you how solar energy can save you money in the long run. With the average amount of precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover in Summit, solar panels can help you reduce your monthly electricity bills and potentially break even on the initial investment sooner than you may think. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers and see how solar power can benefit you financially.
Summit South Dakota Weather Trends
Summit Precipitation
With Summit South Dakota receiving 36.5 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, compared to the rest of South Dakota, Summit is actually on the higher end when it comes to precipitation levels. This means that solar panels in Summit can still generate significant energy savings despite the slightly lower precipitation levels.
Summit’s UV Rating
Summit South Dakota had an average UV rating of 3.67 in the last year, which is slightly below the national average of 4.29. However, compared to the rest of South Dakota, Summit’s UV rating is closer to the state average of 3.96. With solar panels relying on UV rays to generate electricity, Summit’s UV rating is still sufficient to make solar power a viable option for residents looking to save on their electricity bills.
Summit’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, Summit South Dakota is in a good position to benefit from solar energy. While this cloud cover percentage is slightly higher than the national average of 44.46%, Summit’s placement relative to the rest of South Dakota is favorable. With a significant number of days having minimal cloud cover, Summit residents can harness the power of the sun for most of the year.
Summit South Dakota Electricity Costs
Summit South Dakota residents pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, which is lower than both the national average of $0.13/kw and the state average of $0.11/kw. With relatively low electricity costs in Summit, investing in solar panels can provide even greater financial benefits in the long run. By generating your own clean energy, you can reduce your dependence on traditional electricity sources and save money on your monthly bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Summit South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Summit 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:
- Summit South Dakota receives less rainfall compared to the national average, creating good conditions for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Summit South Dakota are slightly lower than the national average but are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Summit South Dakota is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Summit South Dakota pay a lower rate for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact the savings from using solar power.
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 determine how long it would take to break even on this investment, we need to calculate the annual savings from using solar power:
- Generating electricity from the solar system reduces the amount needed from the grid, leading to cost savings.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6-7 years to recoup the initial investment made in solar panels. Following this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the cost of the solar installation. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the initial payback period. Investing in solar energy not only helps save money but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Summit South Dakota
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Summit, South Dakota, it’s clear that investing in solar panels can be a wise financial decision for residents. With lower precipitation levels, sufficient UV ratings, and favorable cloud cover percentages, Summit provides an ideal environment for solar energy production. Additionally, with electricity costs below the national average, residents can expect to break even on their initial solar panel investment in approximately 6-7 years. The long lifespan of solar panels ensures that savings will continue for many years, making solar power not only a smart financial choice but also a sustainable one for the environment.