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Solar and Electricity Data for Foreston, MN: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Foreston, MN at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.3/10 2.6/10 8.3/10 1.6/10 9.2/10
Not Bad 50% daily 3 inches monthly 3.4 on average 0.15/kw

Overview

Are you a Foreston Minnesota resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer! By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Foreston, we will show you how a solar system could help you break even on your investment faster than you might think. Let’s explore the financial benefits of going solar in your area.

Foreston Minnesota Weather Trends

Foreston Precipitation

With Foreston Minnesota receiving 33.92 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area experiences a moderate amount of rainfall. While this puts Foreston in the 17th percentile nationwide and the 27th percentile within Minnesota, it is important to note that the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and Minnesota’s average is 37.31 inches. This means that despite receiving less precipitation compared to other areas, Foreston still gets a decent amount of rain which can be beneficial for solar panel efficiency.

Foreston’s UV Rating

Foreston Minnesota had an average UV rating of 3.44 in the last year, placing it in the 16th percentile in the nation and the 33rd percentile in Minnesota. While these numbers may seem average, it is important to consider that the national average for UV rating is 4.29, and Minnesota’s average is 3.6. Additionally, Foreston had an average max UV rating of 3.61, pointing towards a decent amount of sunlight exposure. This indicates that installing solar panels in Foreston can be a viable option to harness solar energy efficiently.

Foreston’s Cloud Cover

Foreston Minnesota had an average of 50% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 74th percentile in the nation and the 64th percentile in Minnesota. While the area experiences moderate cloud cover, it is essential to note that the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Minnesota’s average is 48.96%. With a balance of cloud cover percentages throughout the year, Foreston provides a good environment for solar panels to generate electricity consistently.

Foreston Minnesota Electricity Costs

Foreston residents pay about $0.15/kw for electricity, which places them in the 92nd percentile in the nation and the 99th percentile in Minnesota. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, with Minnesota’s average also standing at $0.13/kw. Given the higher electricity costs in Foreston, investing in solar panels can offer significant long-term savings and potentially lead to a quicker return on investment for homeowners in the area.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Foreston Minnesota?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Foreston Minnesota, 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:

  • Foreston Minnesota receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panel installations.
  • The UV ratings in Foreston Minnesota are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • The cloud cover in Foreston Minnesota is slightly higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Foreston Minnesota pay slightly more 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount purchased from the grid.
  • Given the higher electricity rates in Foreston Minnesota, the savings from using solar power are significant.

After calculating the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, solar panels have a long lifespan, providing continued savings for many years to come. Investing in solar panels not only saves money but also contributes to a sustainable environment. It’s a wise financial and eco-friendly decision!

Investing in solar power in Foreston Minnesota

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Foreston Minnesota, it is clear that investing in solar panels can result in significant long-term savings for residents. With lower precipitation compared to the national average, sufficient UV ratings, and varying cloud cover percentages throughout the year, Foreston provides an ideal environment for solar panel installations. Additionally, with residents paying higher-than-average electricity costs, the return on investment for solar panels is quicker than in other areas. By breaking down the costs and calculating the annual savings, it is estimated that homeowners in Foreston could break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 5 years. Not only does this save money, but it also contributes to a sustainable environment for years to come, making it a wise financial and eco-friendly decision for Foreston residents.