Overview
Are you a resident of Bridgewater, South Dakota looking to save money on your electricity bills while also helping the environment? Installing solar panels on your home may be the solution for you. By analyzing weather data specific to Bridgewater, such as inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and average percentage cloud cover, along with basic electricity costs, we can show you how a solar system can help you break even in a cost-effective manner. Let us break down the financial benefits of going solar for you.
Bridgewater South Dakota Weather Trends
Bridgewater Precipitation
With 37.69 inches of precipitation in the last year, Bridgewater South Dakota is in the 23rd percentile in the nation and the 88th percentile in South Dakota. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Bridgewater receives less precipitation, making it an ideal location for solar panels to thrive with minimal weather-related interruptions.
Bridgewater’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.73 in the last year, Bridgewater South Dakota is in the 32nd percentile in the nation and the 29th percentile in South Dakota. While slightly lower than the national average of 4.29, Bridgewater’s UV rating is still adequate for efficient solar energy production, especially compared to states with higher UV ratings like Arizona or Texas.
Bridgewater’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average of 46% cloud cover, putting Bridgewater in the 60th percentile in the nation and the 91st percentile in South Dakota, the city still experiences a significant number of clear days ideal for solar energy generation. With 112 days of minimal cloud cover, residents will enjoy plenty of sunshine to power their homes sustainably.
Bridgewater South Dakota Electricity Costs
At $0.12/kw for electricity, Bridgewater South Dakota residents are paying less than the national average of $0.13/kw. This lower cost, combined with favorable weather conditions, makes investing in solar panels a smart financial decision for Bridgewater residents looking to reduce their energy bills over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bridgewater South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bridgewater 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:
- Bridgewater receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Bridgewater are slightly below the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power effectively.
- Cloud cover in Bridgewater is close to the national average, with some variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Bridgewater pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar energy a cost-effective option.
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, thereby saving money on electricity bills.
- With Bridgewater’s lower electricity rates, the savings may not be as significant, but they will still add up over time.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6 to 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will surpass the initial investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, these savings will accumulate for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar energy is a smart choice for long-term cost savings and sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Bridgewater South Dakota
Installing solar panels in Bridgewater, South Dakota can be a wise decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills while also contributing to a greener environment. With lower than average precipitation, suitable UV ratings, and a good number of clear days for solar energy generation, combined with affordable electricity costs below the national average, investing in solar power makes financial sense for Bridgewater homeowners. By analyzing weather trends and electricity costs, it is evident that breaking even on a solar installation in Bridgewater could take approximately 6 to 7 years. Beyond that point, the savings on energy bills would continue to accumulate, making solar panels a cost-effective and sustainable choice for the community.