Overview
If you live in Drake, North Dakota, you may want to consider installing solar panels on your home to save money on your electricity bill. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of going solar in Drake, using weather data and basic electricity costs specific to the area. By analyzing the average amount of precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover over 365 days, we can estimate how long it will take for a solar system to pay for itself and start saving you money. Let’s explore the cost-effectiveness of solar energy in Drake, North Dakota.
Drake North Dakota Weather Trends
Drake Precipitation
With Drake, North Dakota receiving 36.53 inches of precipitation in the last year, this puts the area in the 21st percentile in the nation and the 95th percentile in North Dakota. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and North Dakota’s average of 30.8 inches, Drake’s precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Drake’s UV Rating
Drake, North Dakota had an average UV rating of 3.35 in the last year, placing it in the 12th percentile in the nation and the 25th percentile in North Dakota. When comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and North Dakota’s average of 3.46, it is clear that Drake receives ample sunlight, making it a great location for solar energy production.
Drake’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 48% cloud cover in the last year, Drake, North Dakota falls in the 67th percentile in the nation and the 65th percentile in North Dakota. While the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% and North Dakota’s average is 46.71%, Drake’s cloud cover levels are conducive to efficient solar panel operation throughout the year.
Drake North Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Drake, North Dakota pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, positioning Drake in the 10th percentile in the nation and the 33rd percentile in North Dakota. When compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and North Dakota’s average of $0.1/kw, Drake’s lower electricity costs make solar panel installation a financially viable option for long-term savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Drake North Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Drake, North 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:
- Drake receives less precipitation compared to the national average, which is beneficial for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Drake are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Drake is around average for the country, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Drake pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.10/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 to be purchased from the grid.
- Given Drake’s lower electricity rates, the savings are slightly less compared to areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it seems like it would take approximately 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Drake. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years beyond the initial payback period. Investing in solar energy is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Drake North Dakota
Installing solar panels in Drake, North Dakota can ultimately save you money on your electricity bill. By analyzing the local weather trends, it is evident that Drake’s lower precipitation levels, sufficient UV ratings, and favorable cloud cover make it an ideal location for solar energy production. Additionally, the lower electricity costs in the area further contribute to the cost-effectiveness of solar panel installation. With an estimated payback period of 6-7 years, investing in solar energy in Drake is not only a financially wise decision but also an environmentally friendly one that can provide long-term benefits for homeowners. Consider going solar to start saving money and reduce your carbon footprint in the process.