Overview
In Mount Vernon, South Dakota, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over 365 days, we show you how much money you can save by switching to solar energy. We break down the cost of a solar system and estimate the time it will take for you to break even, making it clear why going solar is a smart investment for residents in Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon South Dakota Weather Trends
Mount Vernon Precipitation
With Mount Vernon in the 99th percentile for total annual precipitation in the nation, it is clear that the area receives a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Mount Vernon’s 114.71 inches of precipitation stands out. This abundance of rain makes it an optimal location for harnessing solar energy, as solar panels can still generate power even during cloudy and rainy days.
Mount Vernon’s UV Rating
Mount Vernon’s high average UV rating of 6.4 places it in the 98th percentile nationwide, indicating plenty of sunshine throughout the year. With such favorable conditions, solar panels in Mount Vernon can consistently produce ample energy. In contrast, the national average for UV rating is 4.29, making Mount Vernon an excellent candidate for solar panel installation.
Mount Vernon’s Cloud Cover
Mount Vernon, with an average of 59% cloud cover, ranks in the 95th percentile in the nation and the 100th percentile in South Dakota. This high frequency of cloudy days does not diminish the benefits of solar energy, as panels can still generate power even when it is overcast. Installing solar panels in Mount Vernon remains a smart choice despite the cloudy weather.
Mount Vernon South Dakota Electricity Costs
With electricity costs at $0.12/kw, Mount Vernon residents enjoy rates below the national average of $0.13/kw. While the cost falls slightly above South Dakota’s average of $0.11/kw, investing in solar panels can help mitigate electricity expenses in the long run. Generating your electricity through solar power can lead to substantial savings and reduce reliance on traditional grid power.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mount Vernon South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mount Vernon 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:
- Mount Vernon South Dakota receives significantly more rainfall than the national average, but it still has good UV ratings for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Mount Vernon South Dakota are higher than the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Mount Vernon South Dakota is higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Mount Vernon South Dakota 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- With Mount Vernon South Dakota’s lower electricity rates, the savings are still significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6-7 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Since solar panels last for 25-30 years, you’ll continue to save money long after breaking even. Investing in solar energy is a wise decision that not only saves money but also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Mount Vernon South Dakota
Investing in solar panels in Mount Vernon, South Dakota is a wise decision for residents looking to save money and reduce their reliance on traditional grid power. With favorable weather conditions and slightly below-average electricity costs, switching to solar energy can lead to substantial savings in the long run. By analyzing the data, we estimate that it would take approximately 6-7 years to break even on the initial investment in solar panels. After that point, residents can continue to enjoy savings on electricity bills for the remainder of the system’s 25-30 year lifespan. Making the switch to solar energy is not only a smart financial move but also a positive step towards a more sustainable future.