Overview
With the rising cost of electricity and the increasing focus on renewable energy sources, installing solar panels in Howard, South Dakota can provide significant financial benefits for homeowners. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will demonstrate how investing in a solar system can lead to long-term savings and sustainability. Let’s explore how solar power can help you break even and ultimately save money on your energy bills in Howard, South Dakota.
Howard South Dakota Weather Trends
Howard Precipitation
With Howard, South Dakota receiving 33.48 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, Howard’s precipitation levels are slightly higher. By harnessing solar power, residents can take advantage of the abundant sunlight even with varying precipitation levels.
Howard’s UV Rating
In the last year, Howard South Dakota had an average UV rating of 3.75 and an average max UV rating of 4.01. While these ratings are lower than the national and state averages, Howard still receives a significant amount of sunlight. This means that solar panels in Howard can effectively generate electricity, even with lower UV ratings compared to other regions.
Howard’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 44% cloud cover in the last year, Howard South Dakota experiences a moderate amount of cloudiness. While this may affect solar panel efficiency at times, it is essential to note that Howard’s cloud cover is close to the national average. By installing solar panels, residents can still benefit from clean energy production, especially on clear days.
Howard South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents in Howard, South Dakota pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, slightly lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. Compared to the state average of $0.11/kw, Howard’s electricity costs are slightly higher. Installing solar panels can help Howard residents save money in the long run by reducing their reliance on traditional electricity sources.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Howard South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Howard, 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:
- Howard gets less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Howard are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Howard is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Howard 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 lower electricity rates in Howard, the savings are still significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25 to 30 years, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings well into the future. It’s a wise financial decision that also contributes to a greener environment!
Investing in solar power in Howard South Dakota
Installing solar panels in Howard, South Dakota can be a smart investment for homeowners looking to save money on energy bills and promote sustainability. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Howard, we have determined that residents can expect to break even on their solar installation in approximately 7 years. With solar panels lasting up to 30 years, this initial investment will continue to pay off in the long run, offering both financial and environmental benefits to the community. Consider harnessing the power of the sun to secure a brighter and greener future for Howard, South Dakota.