Overview
Are you a Blue Earth Minnesota resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By analyzing the weather data of your area, we can demonstrate how the abundance of sunlight and low cloud cover makes Blue Earth an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. With electricity costs on the rise, investing in a solar system can help you save money in the long run. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even, allowing you to make an informed decision about going solar.
Blue Earth Minnesota Weather Trends
Blue Earth Precipitation
With 42.15 inches of precipitation in the last year, Blue Earth Minnesota is in the 32nd percentile in the nation, meaning it receives less rainfall than most places in the country. When compared to the state average of 37.31 inches, Blue Earth is in the 93rd percentile, indicating higher rainfall within Minnesota. This lower rainfall means less cloudy days, providing more opportunities for your solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.
Blue Earth’s UV Rating
Blue Earth Minnesota boasts an average UV rating of 3.69, positioning it in the 29th percentile nationally and the 68th percentile within Minnesota. Although it may not be the sunniest location, with a national average of 4.29, and Minnesota’s average of 3.6, Blue Earth still receives a significant amount of sunlight perfect for solar energy production. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 3.94 underscores the abundance of sunlight available for harnessing.
Blue Earth’s Cloud Cover
Blue Earth Minnesota has an average of 48% cloud cover, placing it in the 68th percentile in the nation and the 55th percentile in Minnesota. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Minnesota’s average of 48.96%, Blue Earth experiences a moderate amount of cloud cover. However, with a balanced distribution of cloud cover throughout the year, there are still plenty of clear days for your solar panels to perform optimally.
Blue Earth Minnesota Electricity Costs
Blue Earth residents pay approximately $0.12/kw for electricity, ranking in the 52nd percentile in the nation and the 24th percentile within Minnesota. While this may seem reasonable, the national average of $0.13/kw and Minnesota’s average of $0.13/kw suggest that there is potential for savings by investing in solar energy. By installing solar panels on your home, you can take control of your energy costs and reduce your reliance on traditional grid electricity.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Blue Earth Minnesota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Blue Earth, 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:
- Blue Earth gets slightly less rain than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Blue Earth are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Blue Earth is around the national average, with variations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Blue Earth pay slightly less 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 purchased from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Blue Earth, the savings are not as significant compared to other areas.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Blue Earth, Minnesota. This means that after 10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. And with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the long-term savings can really add up over time. Investing in solar panels can be a smart financial and environmental decision for Blue Earth residents.
Investing in solar power in Blue Earth Minnesota
After analyzing the weather data and electricity costs in Blue Earth, Minnesota, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a beneficial investment for residents. With an abundance of sunlight and lower cloud cover, Blue Earth offers ideal conditions for harnessing solar energy efficiently. By paying slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, residents can expect to break even on the cost of a solar system in approximately 10 years. This long-term investment not only helps save money on electricity bills but also reduces reliance on traditional grid electricity. Making the switch to solar power in Blue Earth can lead to both financial savings and a positive impact on the environment.