Overview
Are you tired of high electricity bills eating away at your hard-earned money? In Gary, South Dakota, residents can benefit greatly from installing solar panels on their homes. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we have found that investing in a solar system can lead to significant savings in the long run. In this article, we will break down the costs of a solar system in Gary, estimate the time it will take to break even, and show you how you can start saving money while also helping the environment.
Gary South Dakota Weather Trends
Gary Precipitation
Gary, South Dakota received 37.81 inches of precipitation in the last year, ranking it in the 23rd percentile in the nation and the 89th 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 its lower-than-average precipitation levels, Gary’s climate makes it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Gary’s UV Rating
In the last year, Gary, South Dakota had an average UV rating of 3.71, placing it in the 31st percentile in the nation and the 23rd percentile in South Dakota. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, while South Dakota’s average is 3.96. With an average max UV rating of 3.93, Gary is in a prime position to harness solar energy efficiently and effectively.
Gary’s Cloud Cover
On average, Gary, South Dakota had 44% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 51st percentile in the nation and the 82nd percentile in South Dakota. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, with South Dakota averaging 40.74%. With a significant number of clear days, Gary provides ample sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity optimally.
Gary South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents in Gary, South Dakota pay around $0.1/kw for electricity, placing them in the 9th percentile in the nation and the 17th percentile in South Dakota. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, with South Dakota’s average at $0.11/kw. By switching to solar power, Gary residents can not only save money in the long run but also contribute to a cleaner environment for future generations.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Gary South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Gary, 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:
- With 37.81 inches of precipitation last year, Gary gets less rain compared to the national average.
- The UV ratings in Gary are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Gary is about average for the country, with variations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Gary, South Dakota, pay 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 from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Gary, the savings might not be as significant but still add up over time.
After doing the math, it looks like it would take around 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start making up for the investment. Since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years. It’s a practical and sustainable way to save money while also being environmentally friendly!
Investing in solar power in Gary South Dakota
Installing solar panels in Gary, South Dakota is a smart investment that can lead to significant savings over time. With lower-than-average precipitation levels, good UV ratings, and ample sunlight due to minimal cloud cover, Gary’s climate is ideal for generating solar power efficiently. Residents paying below the national average for electricity can expect to break even on their solar system investment in about 7 years, after which they will continue to save money for many years to come. By making the switch to solar energy, not only will residents benefit financially, but they will also contribute to a cleaner environment for future generations. It’s a win-win situation that’s both practical and sustainable!