Overview
If you live in Fairfield, Montana, you may be wondering if installing solar panels on your home is worth the investment. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we can show you how much money you could save in the long run. With the sun shining an average of 200 days a year and minimal cloud cover, Fairfield is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, we will demonstrate the financial benefits of going solar in Fairfield.
Fairfield Montana Weather Trends
Fairfield Precipitation
With only 19.91 inches of precipitation in the last year, Fairfield, Montana ranks in the 6th percentile nationally and the 12th percentile within the state. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Montana’s average of 28.52 inches, Fairfield’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Fairfield’s UV Rating
Fairfield, Montana had an average UV rating of 3.41 in the last year, placing it in the 15th percentile nationwide and the 52nd percentile within the state. Although slightly lower than the national average of 4.29, Fairfield’s UV ratings are comparable to Montana’s average of 3.4. With an average max UV rating of 3.61, Fairfield receives ample sunlight perfect for harnessing solar energy.
Fairfield’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average of 38% cloud cover in Fairfield, Montana, ranking in the 20th percentile nationally and the 30th percentile within the state, the area still enjoys 148 days with minimal cloud cover. With fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46% and Montana’s average of 41.59%, Fairfield provides plenty of sunshine for solar panels to generate electricity.
Fairfield Montana Electricity Costs
Residents of Fairfield, Montana pay approximately $0.12/kw for electricity, which falls in the 57th percentile nationwide and the 75th percentile within the state. With a lower electricity cost compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Montana’s average of $0.12/kw, investing in solar panels can help you save money in the long run while also reducing your carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Fairfield Montana?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fairfield 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:
- Fairfield Montana receives less precipitation compared to the national average, which is good for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Fairfield Montana are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Fairfield Montana is lower than the national average, providing more sunny days for efficient solar panel operation.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Fairfield Montana pay slightly lower electricity costs compared to the national average, at $0.12/kw.
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 purchased from the grid and saving costs.
- With the electricity cost of $0.12/kw in Fairfield Montana, the savings over time can be significant.
After analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. With the longevity of solar panels, these savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. It’s a wise investment that not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Fairfield Montana
Based on the analysis of weather data, electricity costs, and the potential savings from using solar energy, it is clear that installing solar panels in Fairfield, Montana is a smart investment. With the ideal weather conditions of minimal precipitation, high UV ratings, and low cloud cover, Fairfield provides ample sunlight for efficient solar panel operation. Additionally, the relatively lower electricity costs in the area make it financially beneficial to switch to solar energy. By breaking down the costs and estimating the time it would take to break even on a solar installation, we have determined that it would take approximately 6 years to offset the initial investment. Beyond that point, the savings on electricity bills will continue for many more years, making solar energy a sustainable and cost-effective choice for residents of Fairfield, Montana.