Overview
In Ashton, South Dakota, installing solar panels can provide significant financial benefits for homeowners. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can estimate the savings and break-even point for a solar system. With ample sunshine and low precipitation, Ashton residents can take advantage of the cost savings that solar energy offers in the long run.
Ashton South Dakota Weather Trends
Ashton Precipitation
With Ashton South Dakota receiving 31.64 inches of precipitation last year, it falls in the 14th percentile in the nation and the 27th percentile in South Dakota. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and South Dakota’s average of 34.67 inches, Ashton’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Ashton’s UV Rating
Ashton South Dakota had an average UV rating of 3.69 last year, ranking it in the 29th percentile in the nation and the 20th percentile in South Dakota. When compared to the national average of 4.29 and South Dakota’s average of 3.96, Ashton’s UV levels indicate a great potential for harnessing solar energy efficiently throughout the year.
Ashton’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 45% cloud cover last year, Ashton falls in the 53rd percentile in the nation and the 84th percentile in South Dakota. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% and South Dakota’s average is 40.74%. These lower cloud cover percentages in Ashton make it an excellent location for maximizing solar energy production.
Ashton South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents in Ashton South Dakota pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, placing it in the 8th percentile in the nation and the 13th percentile in South Dakota. When looking at the national average of $0.13/kw and South Dakota’s average of $0.11/kw, Ashton offers lower electricity costs, making solar panel installation an even more cost-effective renewable energy choice.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Ashton South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Ashton, 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:
- Ashton receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar energy production.
- The UV ratings in Ashton are slightly lower than the national average, but still adequate for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Ashton is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Ashton pay a bit 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 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 reliance on the grid and saving money over time.
- With Ashton’s lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are even more significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 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 add up and pay off the investment. Additionally, considering that solar panels last for 25 to 30 years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is a wise choice for saving money and contributing to a greener environment.
Investing in solar power in Ashton South Dakota
Installing solar panels in Ashton, South Dakota is a wise choice for homeowners looking to save money and utilize renewable energy. With lower precipitation levels, ample sunshine, and affordable electricity costs, Ashton provides an ideal environment for maximizing the benefits of solar energy. By investing in a solar system, homeowners can expect to break even on their initial investment in around 5 years, and continue to enjoy cost savings for the next 25 to 30 years. Embracing solar power not only leads to financial benefits but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable future for Ashton residents.