Overview
In White Owl, South Dakota, installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and basic electricity costs, we can show you how much you can potentially save each year by making the switch to solar energy. With an overview of the cost of a solar system and the estimated time it will take to break even, you will see just how beneficial solar panels can be for your wallet.
White Owl South Dakota Weather Trends
White Owl Precipitation
With White Owl, South Dakota receiving 30.73 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is in the 13th percentile in the nation and the 23rd percentile in South Dakota. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while South Dakota’s average is 34.67 inches. Despite White Owl’s lower precipitation levels, solar panels can still be a great investment for your home.
White Owl’s UV Rating
White Owl, South Dakota had an average UV rating of 3.81 in the last year, placing it in the 36th percentile in the nation and the 47th percentile in South Dakota. The national average for average UV rating is 4.29, and South Dakota’s average is 3.96. Additionally, White Owl had an average max UV rating of 4.13, ranking it in the 35th percentile nationally and the 54th percentile within South Dakota. These UV ratings make White Owl a suitable location for solar panel installation to harness the sun’s energy.
White Owl’s Cloud Cover
White Owl, South Dakota experienced an average of 37% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 17th percentile nationally and the 20th percentile in South Dakota. The national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, while South Dakota’s average is 40.74%. Additionally, White Owl had varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year, with 162 days featuring between 0% and 25% cloud cover, 89 days with 25% to 50% cover, 62 days with 50% to 75% cover, and 51 days with 75% to 100% cover. These cloud cover statistics indicate favorable conditions for solar energy production in White Owl.
White Owl South Dakota Electricity Costs
White Owl residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, ranking the town in the 80th percentile nationwide and the 89th percentile in South Dakota. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, while South Dakota’s average is slightly lower at $0.11/kw. With relatively low electricity costs and the potential savings from solar energy, installing solar panels can be a smart financial decision for residents of White Owl.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in White Owl South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in White Owl, 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:
- White Owl, South Dakota receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in White Owl is lower than the national average, with a good number of days having clear skies for solar panels to work effectively.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in White Owl, South Dakota pay the national average for electricity, making it an ideal location for investing in 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, reducing the amount needed from the grid, resulting in savings on electricity bills.
- With the average electricity cost in White Owl, South Dakota, the savings will contribute to paying off the initial investment.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Considering that solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Not only is this a financially sound decision, but it also contributes positively to the environment by using clean energy sources.
Investing in solar power in White Owl South Dakota
By analyzing the weather trends in White Owl, South Dakota and the local electricity costs, it is clear that investing in solar panels can be a wise financial decision for residents. With lower precipitation levels, suitable UV ratings, and favorable cloud cover conditions, White Owl provides an ideal environment for solar energy production. Additionally, the town’s average electricity costs align with the national average, further supporting the financial benefits of switching to solar power. Considering the data presented, it is estimated that residents could break even on a solar panel investment in approximately 5 years. This investment not only saves money in the long run but also contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable environment for future generations.