Overview
If you are a Burnsville Minnesota resident looking to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart investment. By analyzing weather data specific to our area, we can estimate the potential financial benefits of switching to solar power. With the cost of a solar system broken down and the projected time it will take to break even, you can see how harnessing the power of the sun can not only benefit the environment but also your wallet.
Burnsville Minnesota Weather Trends
Burnsville Precipitation
With Burnsville receiving 39.63 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is in the 27th percentile in the nation and the 80th percentile in Minnesota. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Minnesota’s average is 37.31 inches. This means that despite our moderate rainfall, the potential for using solar panels to harness solar energy is still very promising.
Burnsville’s UV Rating
Looking at Burnsville’s average UV rating of 3.55 in the last year, it falls in the 21st percentile in the nation and the 45th percentile in Minnesota. In comparison, the national average for UV rating is 4.29, and Minnesota’s average is 3.6. Additionally, Burnsville’s average max UV rating of 3.75 places it in the 24th percentile in the nation and the 52nd percentile in Minnesota. These ratings indicate that there is ample sunlight available to generate solar power throughout the year.
Burnsville’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 52% in the last year, Burnsville ranks in the 80th percentile in the nation and the 73rd percentile in Minnesota. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Minnesota’s average is slightly higher at 48.96%. Despite some cloudier days, Burnsville still experiences a significant number of clear days which are optimal for solar energy production.
Burnsville Minnesota Electricity Costs
Residents in Burnsville pay around $0.14/kw for electricity, placing them in the 84th percentile in the nation and the 77th percentile in Minnesota. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Minnesota’s average of $0.13/kw, Burnsville’s electricity costs are slightly higher. By investing in solar panels, residents can lower their electricity bills and save money in the long run, making it a financially wise decision.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Burnsville Minnesota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Burnsville 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:
- Burnsville Minnesota receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Burnsville indicate that there is still plenty of sunlight for effective solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Burnsville is slightly higher than the national average, but there are still enough sunny days for solar panels to be efficient.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Burnsville Minnesota pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average, at around $0.14/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 amount needed from the grid, especially considering Burnsville’s higher electricity rates.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years to come. Investing in solar power is not only a smart financial decision but also a step towards sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Investing in solar power in Burnsville Minnesota
Installing solar panels in Burnsville, Minnesota can be a great way to save money on electricity bills in the long run. By analyzing the weather data specific to our area, we can see that despite moderate precipitation and cloud cover, there is still ample sunlight for solar power generation. With slightly higher electricity costs compared to the national average, investing in solar panels could lead to significant savings over time. Based on the calculations, it would take about 6-7 years to break even on the initial investment, after which residents can start accumulating savings on their electricity bills. Overall, switching to solar power not only benefits your wallet but also contributes to sustainability and environmental responsibility.