Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Glasgow, MT: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Glasgow, MT at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
1.7/10 0/10 2.9/10 0.1/10 5.7/10
OK 70% daily 5 inches monthly 2.7 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

Are you a Glasgow Montana resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for! By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Glasgow, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar power. With information on precipitation levels, UV ratings, cloud cover, and the cost of a solar system, you’ll be able to see just how quickly you can recoup your investment and start saving money in the long run.

Glasgow Montana Weather Trends

Glasgow Precipitation

With Glasgow receiving 60.54 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is in the 71st percentile in the nation and the 100th percentile in Montana. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Montana’s average of 28.52 inches, Glasgow’s higher precipitation levels make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.

Glasgow’s UV Rating

Having an average UV rating of 2.74 places Glasgow in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 5th percentile in Montana. This lower UV rating compared to the national average of 4.29 and Montana’s average of 3.4 might seem discouraging, but solar panels can still generate significant amounts of energy even in regions with less intense sunlight.

Glasgow’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 70% cloud cover, Glasgow is in the 100th percentile in the nation and the 100th percentile in Montana. Although Glasgow experiences frequent cloud coverage, solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days. In fact, the intermittent sunlight can actually help maintain more stable energy production throughout the day.

Glasgow Montana Electricity Costs

Residents of Glasgow pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 57th percentile in the nation and the 75th percentile in Montana. With the national average for residential electricity at $0.13/kw and Montana’s average at $0.12/kw, switching to solar power can help Glasgow residents save money in the long run while also reducing their carbon footprint.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Glasgow Montana?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Glasgow, Montana, 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:

  • Glasgow gets more precipitation than the national average, but there is still enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Glasgow are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Glasgow is higher than the national average, with more cloudy days throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Glasgow 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 Glasgow’s lower electricity rates, the savings may take longer to accumulate.

After calculating the numbers, it appears that it could take around 5-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you can enjoy those savings for many years after breaking even. It’s a smart investment that not only saves money but also helps the environment!

Investing in solar power in Glasgow Montana

Installing solar panels in Glasgow, Montana can be a cost-effective solution for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. Despite higher precipitation levels, lower UV ratings, and frequent cloud cover in the area, solar panels can still generate significant amounts of energy. With Glasgow residents paying slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, the investment in solar panels could be recouped in around 5-7 years. This means that after this initial period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the cost of the solar system. In the long run, switching to solar power not only saves money but also helps reduce your carbon footprint. It’s a smart investment that keeps giving back for many years to come.