Overview
If you live in Brainerd, Minnesota, you may be wondering if installing solar panels on your home is worth the investment. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of going solar in Brainerd by looking at weather data, electricity costs, and the cost of a solar system. By the end, you will have a better understanding of how long it may take for you to break even on your investment in solar energy.
Brainerd Minnesota Weather Trends
Brainerd Precipitation
With an average of 39.6 inches of precipitation in the last year, Brainerd, Minnesota is in the 27th percentile nationwide and the 79th percentile within Minnesota. Although Brainerd receives less rainfall compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, it surpasses the Minnesota average of 37.31 inches. By harnessing this resource, you can reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and potentially save money in the long run.
Brainerd’s UV Rating
Brainerd’s average UV rating of 3.24 places it in the 9th percentile nationwide and the 17th percentile in Minnesota. While the national average UV rating is higher at 4.29, Brainerd still benefits from a decent amount of sunlight. With an average max UV rating of 3.41, Brainerd is in the 16th percentile nationally and the 25th percentile in Minnesota. This abundant sunlight makes Brainerd an ideal location for solar panel installation, allowing you to generate your own clean energy.
Brainerd’s Cloud Cover
Brainerd experiences an average cloud cover of 57%, which is in the 91st percentile nationwide and the 90th percentile in Minnesota. Despite higher cloud cover than the national average of 44.46%, Brainerd still has plenty of clear days for solar energy production. With varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year, you can maximize your solar panel efficiency and potentially lower your electricity bills.
Brainerd, Minnesota Electricity Costs
Residential electricity in Brainerd costs around $0.13/kw, placing the city in the 69th percentile nationwide and the 48th percentile in Minnesota. Although the cost is on par with the national average, investing in solar panels can protect you from future electricity rate hikes. By producing your own energy, you can hedge against rising utility costs and enjoy long-term savings while reducing your carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Brainerd Minnesota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Brainerd, 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:
- Brainerd gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, and it has decent UV ratings for generating solar power.
- While the cloud cover is a bit higher than the national average, there are still enough sunny days to support solar panel efficiency.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Brainerd pay the national average price for electricity, which is $0.13/kw.
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 your own electricity, you can reduce the amount purchased from the grid, saving money in the long run.
- With average electricity costs, the savings might take a bit longer to cover the initial investment.
After considering all factors, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Brainerd, Minnesota. Once this break-even point is reached, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate, providing cost benefits for many years to come. It’s a wise investment for both your finances and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Brainerd Minnesota
After analyzing the weather data and electricity costs in Brainerd, Minnesota, it is clear that investing in solar panels can be a financially beneficial decision. With favorable UV ratings and decent sunlight, along with average electricity costs, it would take approximately 8-10 years to recoup the initial investment in solar panels. Beyond that point, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, ultimately benefiting both your finances and the environment. Therefore, installing solar panels in Brainerd is a smart long-term investment with the potential for significant savings in the future.