Overview
If you live in Scranton, North Dakota, installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we can estimate how long it will take for your investment in solar panels to pay off. With Scranton’s sunny days and relatively low cloud cover, generating your own electricity from solar energy can significantly reduce your monthly bill and help you break even on the cost of the system. Let’s dive into the numbers and see how going solar can benefit you financially.
Scranton North Dakota Weather Trends
Scranton Precipitation
With Scranton receiving 28.97 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, it surpasses North Dakota’s average of 30.8 inches. This means that Scranton’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy to power your home.
Scranton’s UV Rating
Scranton’s average UV rating of 3.63 in the last year positions it below the national average of 4.29. However, it is higher than North Dakota’s average of 3.46. The maximum UV rating in Scranton is 3.92, which is slightly lower than the national average but higher than the state average. These UV levels indicate that Scranton receives ample sunlight, making it a great place to install solar panels and reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources.
Scranton’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 38% cloud cover, Scranton is below the national average of 44.46%. It also exceeds North Dakota’s average of 46.71%. The number of days with varying levels of cloud cover in Scranton allows for consistent sun exposure, which is essential for generating solar energy. This means that installing solar panels in Scranton can be a reliable source of renewable energy for your home.
Scranton North Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Scranton pay $0.11/kw for electricity, which is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. While it is slightly higher than North Dakota’s average of $0.1/kw, the cost of electricity in Scranton is still competitive. By investing in solar panels, you can significantly reduce your monthly energy bill and protect yourself against future price increases, ultimately saving money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Scranton North Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Scranton, North 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:
- Scranton gets less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Scranton are slightly lower than the national average, but still decent for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Scranton is slightly lower than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Scranton pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for saving money with solar panels.
With this information, let’s break down the costs:
- A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000.
- This system is estimated 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 need to purchase from the grid.
- With Scranton’s relatively lower electricity rates, the savings from solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 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 compensate for the investment. Considering that solar panels last for many years, the savings will accumulate over time, resulting in a smart financial decision as well as an environmentally friendly choice!
Investing in solar power in Scranton North Dakota
Installing solar panels in Scranton, North Dakota can be a financially savvy decision. With lower precipitation levels, ample sunlight, and slightly lower electricity costs compared to the national average, investing in solar energy can lead to significant savings in the long run. By analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take approximately 5 years to break even on the cost of a solar panel system. This means that beyond that point, the investment will continue to pay off, making it a smart choice for both your wallet and the environment.