Overview
Discover how installing solar panels on your home in Bonesteel South Dakota can save you money in the long run. By analyzing local weather data and electricity costs, you can see just how quickly a solar system can pay for itself. With the average yearly precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, along with the cost breakdown of a solar system, you can make an informed decision to start saving on your electricity bills.
Bonesteel South Dakota Weather Trends
Bonesteel Precipitation
In the last year Bonesteel South Dakota received 37.96 inches of precipitation, which is below both the national average of 50.61 inches and South Dakota’s average of 34.67 inches. With lower rainfall compared to other regions, installing solar panels can help you save money by harnessing the sunlight instead of relying on traditional grid electricity.
Bonesteel’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.89, Bonesteel falls below both the national average of 4.29 and South Dakota’s average of 3.96. However, the area still receives a considerable amount of sunlight, making it a viable location for solar panel installation to generate clean energy. By utilizing solar power, you can reduce your reliance on grid electricity and lower your utility bills.
Bonesteel’s Cloud Cover
Bonesteel South Dakota had an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, which is slightly above the national average of 44.46% but higher than South Dakota’s average of 40.74%. Installing solar panels in an area with moderate cloud cover can still be beneficial as they can generate electricity even on cloudy days. By investing in solar energy, you can increase your energy independence and reduce your carbon footprint.
Bonesteel South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents in Bonesteel pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, a rate lower than both the national average of $0.13/kw and South Dakota’s average of $0.11/kw. Lower electricity costs combined with favorable weather conditions make installing solar panels in Bonesteel a cost-effective choice. By switching to solar power, you can lock in lower energy rates and enjoy long-term savings on your utility bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bonesteel South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bonesteel, 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:
- Bonesteel gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Bonesteel are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Bonesteel is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Bonesteel pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for 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 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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid, leading to cost savings.
- With Bonesteel’s lower electricity rates, the savings might take longer to cover the initial cost compared to areas with higher electricity costs.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Bonesteel. This means, after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll be benefitting from those savings for many years to come. In the end, investing in solar panels in Bonesteel can be a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Bonesteel South Dakota
Investing in solar panels in Bonesteel South Dakota can be a wise financial decision that not only saves you money in the long run but also contributes to a cleaner environment. By taking advantage of the region’s lower precipitation, favorable UV ratings, and moderate cloud cover, along with the below-average electricity costs, installing solar panels can lead to significant cost savings over time. With an estimated 7-8 years to break even on the initial investment, the long-term benefits of using solar power make it a practical and environmentally friendly choice for residents of Bonesteel.