Overview
If you’re a Fargo North Dakota resident looking to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home might be the perfect solution. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate how long it will take to break even, and provide you with weather data to show that solar power is a viable option in your area. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can significantly reduce your electricity costs and potentially even earn money by selling excess energy back to the grid. Read on to learn how going solar can benefit both your wallet and the environment.
Fargo North Dakota Weather Trends
Fargo Precipitation
With Fargo North Dakota receiving 30.01 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the city experiences moderate rainfall. Compared to the rest of the country, Fargo falls below the national average of 50.61 inches but exceeds North Dakota’s average of 30.8 inches. Despite not being the rainiest city, Fargo’s precipitation levels offer sufficient moisture for solar panels to function effectively.
Fargo’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 3.51, Fargo North Dakota enjoys a decent amount of sunshine throughout the year. Although it may not top the charts nationally, Fargo’s UV rating is above the North Dakota average of 3.46. With an average max UV rating of 3.68, Fargo’s higher UV levels compared to the state average indicate strong potential for solar energy production.
Fargo’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 49%, Fargo North Dakota experiences a fair amount of sunlight. This level of cloud cover surpasses both the national average of 44.46% and North Dakota’s average of 46.71%. With numerous days featuring low to moderate cloud cover, Fargo’s climate is conducive to solar panel efficiency and energy generation.
Fargo North Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Fargo pay approximately $0.11/kw for electricity, making it more affordable compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. Even within the state, Fargo’s electricity costs are below North Dakota’s average of $0.1/kw. By harnessing solar power, Fargo residents can further reduce their electricity bills while contributing to a more sustainable and eco-friendly environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Fargo North Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fargo, 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:
- Fargo receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Fargo are slightly lower than the national average, but still effective for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Fargo is slightly higher than the national average, with about half the days having between 25% and 50% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Fargo 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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
- With Fargo’s lower electricity rates, the savings are still significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 10 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to benefit from those savings for many years to come. It’s a wise investment for both your pocket and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Fargo North Dakota
By harnessing solar power in Fargo, North Dakota, residents can significantly reduce their electricity costs and potentially even earn money by selling excess energy back to the grid. With favorable weather conditions and lower electricity costs compared to the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial savings in the long run. It would take about 10 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system, after which the savings will continue to accumulate for many more years. Going solar is not only a wise financial decision but also a sustainable choice that benefits both your wallet and the environment.