Overview
Are you tired of high electricity bills in Clear Lake, South Dakota? Installing solar panels on your home could save you thousands of dollars in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs for the area, we can show you how quickly a solar system can pay for itself. Let’s break down the numbers and see if switching to solar is the right choice for you.
Clear Lake South Dakota Weather Trends
Clear Lake Precipitation
With Clear Lake receiving 19.73 inches of precipitation in the last year, it ranks in the 6th percentile in the nation and the 2nd percentile in South Dakota. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and South Dakota’s average of 34.67 inches, it’s clear that Clear Lake experiences lower precipitation levels.
Clear Lake’s UV Rating
Clear Lake, South Dakota had an average UV rating of 6.26 in the last year, placing it in the 98th percentile nationally and the 97th percentile in the state. In comparison, the national average UV rating is 4.29 while South Dakota’s average is 3.96. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 6.6 in Clear Lake further showcases the high levels of UV exposure in the area.
Clear Lake’s Cloud Cover
Clear Lake saw an average of 35% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 14th percentile in the nation and the 15th percentile in South Dakota. This is lower than the national average of 44.46% and South Dakota’s average of 40.74%. With 157 days of minimal cloud cover and limited cloud obstruction, Clear Lake offers ample sunlight for solar energy production.
Clear Lake South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Clear Lake pay around $0.1/kw for electricity, which positions the town in the 9th percentile nationally and the 17th percentile in South Dakota. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and South Dakota’s average of $0.11/kw, Clear Lake enjoys relatively lower electricity costs, making solar panel installation a cost-effective option in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Clear Lake South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Clear Lake, 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:
- Clear Lake receives less precipitation than the national average, making it conducive for solar panels to work efficiently.
- The UV ratings in Clear Lake are higher than the national average, indicating great potential for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Clear Lake is lower than the national average, with a good number of clear days suitable for solar panels.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Clear Lake pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar panels an even more attractive investment.
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.
- Given Clear Lake’s lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power will be significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Clear Lake. This means that after this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will accumulate and eventually pay off the initial investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, the savings over the years will continue to benefit you economically while contributing to a greener environment. Installing solar panels is a wise decision in Clear Lake, South Dakota.
Investing in solar power in Clear Lake South Dakota
Considering the weather trends and electricity costs in Clear Lake, South Dakota, installing solar panels is a smart financial and environmentally friendly decision. With low precipitation levels, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, the area provides ideal conditions for solar energy production. Additionally, residents benefit from relatively lower electricity costs, making the initial investment in solar panels an attractive option. By analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take around 4-6 years to break even on the cost of installation, after which significant savings can be accumulated. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also contribute to a greener future. Therefore, embracing solar power in Clear Lake, South Dakota is a beneficial choice for homeowners looking to reduce their electricity bills and environmental impact.