Overview
If you live in Fordville, North Dakota, you may be wondering about the benefits of installing solar panels on your home. By analyzing weather data specific to your area and considering the cost of electricity, we can demonstrate how a solar system can save you money in the long run. With a breakdown of installation costs and estimated payback time, you will see how investing in solar energy can lead to significant financial benefits for you and your family.
Fordville North Dakota Weather Trends
Fordville Precipitation
With Fordville receiving 32.67 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is important to note that this puts the town in the 15th percentile in the nation and the 79th percentile in North Dakota. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while North Dakota’s average is 30.8 inches. This means that Fordville experiences less rainfall than most of the country, making it an ideal location for solar panels.
Fordville’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 3.29 in the last year, Fordville falls in the 10th percentile in the nation and the 13th percentile in North Dakota. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, and North Dakota’s average is 3.46. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 3.38, Fordville remains in the 15th percentile nationally and statewide. These UV levels make Fordville a suitable place for solar energy production throughout the year.
Fordville’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 50% cloud cover in the last year, Fordville finds itself in the 73rd percentile nationally and the 85th percentile in North Dakota. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while North Dakota’s average is slightly higher at 46.71%. Despite this, Fordville still had a significant number of days with minimal cloud cover, making it a viable location for solar panel installations that rely on sunlight to generate energy.
Fordville North Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents in Fordville pay around $0.11/kw for electricity, placing the town in the 23rd percentile nationwide and the 74th percentile in North Dakota. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity stands at $0.13/kw, while North Dakota’s average is $0.1/kw. These lower electricity costs in Fordville make investing in solar panels a financially smart decision, as the savings on energy bills will quickly add up over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Fordville North Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fordville 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:
- Fordville North Dakota receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it suitable for solar panel installations.
- The UV ratings in Fordville North Dakota are slightly lower than the national average, but still conducive for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Fordville North Dakota is slightly higher than the national average with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Fordville North Dakota 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 as much from the grid.
- With Fordville North Dakota’s lower electricity rates, the savings might be slightly less compared to other areas.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Fordville North Dakota. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, given the longevity of solar panels, the savings will continue for many more years to come. It’s a wise financial decision that also contributes to environmental conservation.
Investing in solar power in Fordville North Dakota
With lower precipitation levels, suitable UV ratings, and varying cloud cover throughout the year, Fordville, North Dakota, proves to be an ideal location for installing solar panels. Couple this with the town’s lower electricity costs, and investing in solar energy becomes a wise financial decision. Based on the analysis, it is estimated that residents could break even on the initial cost of a solar panel installation in approximately 6-7 years. This means that not only will the investment pay off, but it will also lead to long-term savings on electricity bills. Choosing to go solar in Fordville North Dakota offers both financial benefits and a positive impact on the environment for years to come.