Overview
In sunny Colman, South Dakota, installing solar panels on your home can result in significant long-term savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can show you how much you stand to save by making the switch to solar power. With a breakdown of the costs involved and an estimate of the time it will take to break even, you’ll see why going solar is a smart investment for your home in Colman.
Colman South Dakota Weather Trends
Colman Precipitation
In the last year, Colman South Dakota received 36.71 inches of precipitation, putting it in the 21st percentile in the nation and the 82nd percentile in South Dakota. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Colman sees slightly less rainfall. However, it does receive more precipitation than the average South Dakota city, which sees 34.67 inches annually.
Colman’s UV Rating
Over the last year, Colman South Dakota had an average UV rating of 3.68, ranking it in the 28th percentile in the nation and the 19th percentile in South Dakota. While the national average is 4.29, and the South Dakota average is 3.96, Colman’s UV rating is a bit lower. With an average max UV rating of 3.92, which is also below the national and state averages, residents can take precautions to protect themselves from sun exposure.
Colman’s Cloud Cover
Colman South Dakota experienced an average of 46% cloud cover over the last year, placing it in the 57th percentile in the nation and the 89th percentile in South Dakota. With more cloud cover than the national average of 44.46%, and the state average of 40.74%, Colman residents can enjoy some relief from direct sunlight. The city had a varied distribution of cloud cover throughout the year, providing a balanced mix of sunny and cloudy days.
Colman South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Colman South Dakota pay around $0.11/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 23rd percentile in the nation and the 28th percentile in South Dakota. While this is slightly below the national average of $0.13/kw, it aligns with the state average of $0.11/kw. By investing in solar panels, homeowners in Colman can take advantage of the abundant sunlight and save on their electricity bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Colman South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Colman 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:
- Colman South Dakota receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings are also slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover is around the national average, with some variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Colman South Dakota pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.11/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.
- With the lower electricity rates in Colman South Dakota, the savings will accumulate over time.
After running the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 4.5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4.5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar panels is not only a financially wise decision but also a sustainable way to contribute to a greener future.
Investing in solar power in Colman South Dakota
With the potential for significant long-term savings on electricity bills, installing solar panels in Colman, South Dakota is a smart investment for homeowners. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs, we have determined that it would take approximately 4.5 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar panel system. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to make up for the investment. Additionally, solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, ensuring that homeowners will continue to save money and contribute to a greener future for many years to come. Make the switch to solar power in Colman and start enjoying the benefits of sustainable and cost-effective energy.