Overview
If you live in Arlington, South Dakota, installing solar panels on your home could lead to significant savings on your electricity bills. By analyzing a year’s worth of weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we can estimate how long it would take for a solar system to pay for itself through these savings. The financial benefits of going solar in Arlington are clear, and we will break down the costs and savings to show you just how much you could save in the long run.
Arlington South Dakota Weather Trends
Arlington Precipitation
In the last year, Arlington, South Dakota received 38.48 inches of precipitation. While this puts Arlington in the 25th percentile nationwide, it actually falls into the 93rd percentile within South Dakota. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Arlington receives less precipitation, which can be beneficial for solar panel efficiency.
Arlington’s UV Rating
In the last year, Arlington, South Dakota had an average UV rating of 3.61. This places Arlington in the 24th percentile in the country and the 10th percentile in South Dakota. The lower UV rating means less exposure to harmful UV rays, which is not only good for your skin but also allows solar panels to last longer and operate more efficiently.
Arlington’s Cloud Cover
Last year, Arlington, South Dakota had an average cloud cover of 48%. This is higher than the national average of 44.46% but lower than the state average of 40.74%. Despite the cloud cover, Arlington still had numerous days with clear skies, creating ample opportunities for solar panels to generate clean energy.
Arlington South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Arlington, South Dakota pay around $0.11/kw for electricity, which is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. In comparison with the rest of South Dakota, Arlington is right on par with the state average. By switching to solar power, homeowners can take advantage of the cost savings associated with generating their own electricity and reduce their reliance on the grid.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Arlington South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Arlington 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:
- Arlington South Dakota receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Arlington South Dakota are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Arlington South Dakota is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Arlington South Dakota pay a bit less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for using 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:
- By generating electricity with the solar panels, you will reduce the need to buy as much electricity from the grid.
- Since Arlington South Dakota has slightly lower electricity rates, the savings will add up over time.
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. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you can continue to benefit from these savings for many years beyond the payback period. Investing in solar panels is a wise decision to save money and contribute to a sustainable future!
Investing in solar power in Arlington South Dakota
Installing solar panels in Arlington, South Dakota is a smart investment that can lead to significant long-term savings on electricity bills. By analyzing the weather trends specific to the area, we can see that Arlington receives less precipitation and has lower UV ratings, making it an ideal location for solar panel efficiency. Despite slightly higher cloud cover, there are still plenty of opportunities for solar panels to generate clean energy. When considering the lower electricity costs in Arlington compared to the national average, it is clear that switching to solar power can bring about financial benefits. Based on our analysis, it would take approximately 6 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar installation in Arlington. With the potential for decades of savings beyond that point, going solar is not only a cost-effective choice but also a sustainable one for the future.