Overview
Are you tired of high electricity bills in Arlington, Minnesota? Solar panels might be the solution you’ve been looking for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs in Arlington, we can show you how much money you could save by installing solar panels on your home. With a breakdown of the costs and estimated break-even time, this article will demonstrate the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy.
Arlington Minnesota Weather Trends
Arlington Precipitation
With Arlington Minnesota receiving 41.48 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, compared to the rest of Minnesota, Arlington is above the state average of 37.31 inches. Installing solar panels can help you take advantage of the sunny days in Arlington to offset any energy consumption on rainy days.
Arlington’s UV Rating
In the past year, Arlington Minnesota had an average UV rating of 3.58, ranking below the national average of 4.29. While Arlington falls behind the average UV rating for the state of Minnesota, you can still benefit from harnessing solar energy. By capturing sunlight on partially cloudy days, you can generate power for your home and save on electricity costs.
Arlington’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 49% cloud cover in the last year, Arlington Minnesota experiences slightly more clouds compared to the national average of 44.46%. Despite this, Arlington’s cloud cover is lower than the state average of 48.96%. By utilizing solar panels, you can still capture sunlight on many days of the year, offsetting your electricity usage even when the skies are partly cloudy.
Arlington Minnesota Electricity Costs
Arlington Minnesota residents pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, which is slightly above the national average of $0.13/kw. However, compared to the average residential electricity cost in Minnesota of $0.13/kw, Arlington’s rates are on par. By installing solar panels, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and lower your electricity bills over time, ultimately saving money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Arlington Minnesota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Arlington, Minnesota, 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:
- Arlington, Minnesota receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panel installation.
- The UV ratings in Arlington, Minnesota are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still adequate for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Arlington, Minnesota is slightly higher than the national average, but there are still many days with optimal sunlight for solar panels.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Arlington, Minnesota pay slightly more 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
- Given Arlington’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears 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 start to accumulate and offset the investment. Since solar panels have a lifespan of up to 30 years, the long-term savings potential is substantial. Investing in solar panels not only saves money but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Arlington Minnesota
With the financial benefits of installing solar panels in Arlington, Minnesota becoming clear, it is evident that making the switch to solar energy can lead to significant cost savings over time. By taking advantage of the sunny days in Arlington to generate power for your home and reduce reliance on the grid, the initial investment in solar panels can be recouped in approximately 6 years. With a lifespan of up to 30 years, the long-term savings potential is substantial. Investing in solar energy not only saves money but also contributes to environmental sustainability, making it a wise choice for residents looking to lower their electricity bills in Arlington.