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Solar and Electricity Data for Divide, MT: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Divide, MT at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.9/10 4.8/10 8.6/10 0.2/10 5.7/10
Not Bad 44% daily 3 inches monthly 2.9 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

Are you a Divide Montana resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data specific to Divide Montana, we will show you how much money you can save on electricity costs by going solar. With average weather conditions and electricity rates taken into consideration, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. Start saving money and reduce your carbon footprint with solar energy today!

Divide Montana Weather Trends

Divide Precipitation

With Divide Montana receiving 32.23 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area does not have a high amount of rainfall. However, this puts Divide above the 70th percentile when compared to the rest of Montana, showing that the state as a whole tends to have lower levels of precipitation. When looking at the national average of 50.61 inches, Divide falls below this number, indicating a drier climate compared to the rest of the country. Despite this, the lower amount of precipitation can actually be beneficial for solar panel installations, as they require minimal maintenance and can still generate electricity efficiently.

Divide’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 2.92 in the last year, Divide Montana may not be known for its intense sunshine. However, this rating puts Divide in the 8th percentile in Montana, showing that the state tends to receive lower UV levels compared to other areas. When looking at the national average of 4.29, Divide falls below this number, indicating a lower intensity of sunlight in general. Despite this, solar panels can still be effective in harnessing the available sunlight to generate electricity, making them a viable option for residents looking to save money on their energy bills.

Divide’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 44% cloud cover in the last year, Divide Montana experiences a moderate amount of clouds. This places Divide in the 75th percentile in Montana, showcasing that the state tends to have clearer skies compared to other areas. When compared to the national average of 44.46% for cloud cover, Divide falls right around this number, indicating that the area experiences a typical amount of cloudiness. Solar panels are still effective even on cloudy days, so residents in Divide can still benefit from solar energy despite the occasional cloud cover.

Divide Montana Electricity Costs

Divide Montana residents pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, which is right around the state average and slightly below the national average of $0.13/kw. This makes Divide a cost-effective area for installing solar panels, as the savings on electricity bills can add up over time. By investing in solar energy, residents in Divide can reduce their reliance on traditional grid electricity, save money in the long run, and contribute to a greener environment for future generations.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Divide Montana?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Divide Montana, 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:

  • Divide Montana receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Divide Montana are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Divide Montana is about average for the country, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Divide Montana pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average.

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 electricity from the grid.
  • With lower electricity costs in Divide Montana, the savings will accumulate over time.

After crunching the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this time, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is a wise decision to both save money and contribute to environmental conservation.

Investing in solar power in Divide Montana

By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Divide Montana, it is evident that investing in solar panels can be a beneficial financial decision for residents. Despite lower levels of precipitation and UV ratings compared to national averages, solar panels can still effectively generate electricity in Divide. The area’s moderate cloud cover and cost-effective electricity rates make it an ideal location for solar installations. With an estimated break-even point of 4-6 years, residents can start saving money on their electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint for years to come. Take the step towards a greener and more cost-efficient future by harnessing the power of solar energy in Divide Montana.