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Solar and Electricity Data for Garretson, SD: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Garretson, SD at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.4/10 5.4/10 8/10 3.8/10 4.8/10
Not Bad 43% daily 3 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

If you’re a Garretson South Dakota resident looking to save money on your electricity bill, installing solar panels on your home could be the perfect solution. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Garretson, we can show you how much money you can save over time with a solar system. Let’s break down the costs and estimate how long it will take for you to start seeing a return on your investment.

Garretson South Dakota Weather Trends

Garretson Precipitation

In the last year, Garretson South Dakota received 36.07 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 20th percentile in the nation and the 74th percentile in South Dakota. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while South Dakota’s average is 34.67 inches. With a lower precipitation rate than the national average, Garretson’s sunny days make it an ideal location for solar panels.

Garretson’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 3.84, Garretson sits in the 38th percentile in the nation and the 51st percentile in South Dakota. Nationally, the average UV rating is 4.29, and in South Dakota, it is 3.96. Additionally, the average max UV rating in Garretson is 4.15, putting it in the 36th percentile nationally and the 56th percentile in South Dakota. These high UV ratings make Garretson a perfect location for installing solar panels to harness the sun’s energy.

Garretson’s Cloud Cover

Garretson South Dakota had an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 46th percentile in the nation and the 76th percentile in South Dakota. Comparing this to the national average of 44.46% and South Dakota’s average of 40.74%, Garretson experiences fewer cloudy days. With a significant number of days having minimal cloud cover, Garretson is a prime location for solar panel installation to maximize energy production.

Garretson South Dakota Electricity Costs

Garretson residents pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, placing them in the 48th percentile nationally and the 63rd percentile in South Dakota. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while South Dakota’s average is $0.11/kw. With relatively lower electricity costs, investing in solar panels in Garretson can lead to substantial savings on utility bills over time.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Garretson South Dakota?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Garretson South 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:

  • Garretson South Dakota receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average but still favorable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover is slightly lower than the national average, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Garretson South 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 Garretson South Dakota’s lower electricity rates, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost.

After calculating, it looks like it would take around 7-9 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7-9 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and make up for the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is a smart choice for saving money and promoting environmental sustainability in the long run!

Investing in solar power in Garretson South Dakota

Installing solar panels in Garretson South Dakota can be a beneficial investment for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Garretson, it is evident that the location is ideal for solar energy production. With lower precipitation rates, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, Garretson offers optimal conditions for solar panel installation. Additionally, residents pay relatively lower electricity costs, further contributing to potential savings. Based on the calculations, it would take around 7-9 years to break even on the initial cost of the solar panels. Beyond that point, the accumulated savings on electricity bills will continue to benefit homeowners for many years to come. Overall, investing in solar panels in Garretson is a smart and sustainable choice.