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Solar and Electricity Data for Barnum, MN: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Barnum, MN at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.1/10 0.6/10 6.9/10 0.5/10 7.4/10
Not Bad 59% daily 3 inches monthly 3.1 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

In Barnum Minnesota, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, it is clear that the potential savings from generating your own clean energy are substantial. This article will provide a breakdown of the costs associated with installing a solar system, as well as an estimate of how long it will take to break even on your investment.

Barnum Minnesota Weather Trends

Barnum Precipitation

In the last year, Barnum Minnesota received 41.8 inches of precipitation, ranking it higher than 91% of other cities in Minnesota but lower than 31% of cities across the country. With national and state averages standing at 50.61 inches and 37.31 inches respectively, Barnum’s precipitation levels make it a prime location for solar panel installation.

Barnum’s UV Rating

Over the past year, Barnum Minnesota had an average UV rating of 3.12, placing it in the 10th percentile in Minnesota and the 5th percentile nationwide. With national and state averages at 4.29 and 3.6 respectively, Barnum’s UV rating suggests ample sunlight for efficient solar energy production. Additionally, Barnum’s average max UV rating of 3.27 further supports the viability of solar panel installation in the area.

Barnum’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 59% cloud cover in the last year, Barnum Minnesota ranks in the 93rd percentile statewide and the 94th percentile nationally. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and the state average of 48.96%, Barnum’s cloud cover conditions indicate a favorable environment for solar panel efficiency. Despite some variation in cloud cover throughout the year, Barnum experiences sufficient clear days suitable for harnessing solar power.

Barnum Minnesota Electricity Costs

Barnum residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 56th percentile within Minnesota and the 74th percentile nationwide. With state and national averages also at $0.13/kw, Barnum’s electricity costs align with standards. By investing in solar panels to generate clean energy, residents can offset these costs and achieve long-term savings while reducing their carbon footprint.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Barnum Minnesota?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Barnum 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:

  • Barnum Minnesota receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panel installation.
  • The UV ratings in Barnum Minnesota are lower than the national average, but still conducive for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Barnum Minnesota is slightly higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Barnum Minnesota pay the same amount 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 average electricity rates, the savings are consistent over time.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Barnum Minnesota. This means, after 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for decades, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years beyond the break-even point. It’s a wise financial and environmental choice for residents in Barnum Minnesota!

Investing in solar power in Barnum Minnesota

After investigating the weather trends and electricity costs in Barnum Minnesota, it is evident that installing solar panels can lead to significant long-term financial benefits for residents. With high precipitation levels, decent UV ratings, and favorable cloud cover conditions, Barnum proves to be an ideal location for solar energy production. Coupled with electricity costs aligning with state and national averages, investing in solar panels can result in substantial savings over time. Based on the data analysis, it is estimated that residents could break even on the initial solar panel investment in around 8 years. This means that beyond this point, residents will not only be saving on electricity bills but also contributing to a sustainable future. Solar panel installation in Barnum Minnesota is a smart decision for both financial and environmental reasons.