Overview
In Buffalo, Minnesota, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can show you how much money you can save by switching to solar power. With the cost of a solar system broken down and an estimated timeline for recouping your investment, you can see just how financially beneficial going solar can be for you.
Buffalo Minnesota Weather Trends
Buffalo Precipitation
With an average of 36.19 inches of precipitation per year, Buffalo, Minnesota is in the 20th percentile in the nation and the 45th percentile in Minnesota. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, and Minnesota’s average of 37.31 inches, Buffalo experiences a moderate amount of rainfall, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Buffalo’s UV Rating
Buffalo, Minnesota’s average UV rating of 3.5 places it in the 19th percentile in the nation and the 40th percentile in Minnesota. Although lower than the national average of 4.29, Buffalo’s UV rating is comparable to Minnesota’s average of 3.6. This means that there is plenty of solar energy available for residents to harness for electricity.
Buffalo’s Cloud Cover
Not only does Buffalo, Minnesota have an average cloud cover of 51%, putting it in the 77th percentile in the nation and the 68th percentile in Minnesota, but the distribution of cloud cover throughout the year is also favorable for solar panel efficiency. With a significant number of days with clear skies, residents can expect consistent solar power generation.
Buffalo Minnesota Electricity Costs
At $0.13/kw for electricity, Buffalo, Minnesota residents are in the 75th percentile in the nation and the 59th percentile in Minnesota. Although the cost per kilowatt hour is on par with the national and state averages, installing solar panels can still result in substantial long-term savings on electricity bills for Buffalo residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Buffalo Minnesota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Buffalo, 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:
- Buffalo, Minnesota receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Buffalo, Minnesota are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Buffalo, Minnesota is higher than the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Buffalo, Minnesota pay the national average 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:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase as much from the grid.
- With electricity costs at $0.13/kW, the savings can add up over time.
After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take around 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Buffalo, Minnesota. This means that after 8 years, the savings from lower electricity bills will begin to outweigh the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, these savings will continue to accumulate for many years to come, providing both financial benefits and environmental advantages. It’s a wise investment choice for residents looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
Investing in solar power in Buffalo Minnesota
Considering the weather trends in Buffalo, Minnesota and the electricity costs in the area, it is evident that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings on electricity bills. With favorable precipitation levels, moderate UV ratings, and consistent cloud cover, Buffalo provides an ideal environment for harnessing solar energy. By breaking down the costs of installation and estimating the time it would take to recoup the initial investment, it is clear that making the switch to solar power can result in financial benefits for residents. After around 8 years, the savings from lower electricity bills will outweigh the cost of the solar panels, continuing to provide advantages for years to come. Therefore, going solar is a smart choice for those in Buffalo, Minnesota, looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact.