Overview
Living in Gettysburg, South Dakota offers the perfect opportunity to save money and reduce your carbon footprint by switching to solar energy. By analyzing the weather data specific to our area, we can see just how much sunlight our homes receive throughout the year. With the cost of electricity on the rise, investing in a solar system can lead to significant savings in the long run. In this article, we break down the cost of installing solar panels, estimate how long it will take to break even, and highlight the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy in Gettysburg.
Gettysburg South Dakota Weather Trends
Gettysburg Precipitation
With Gettysburg receiving 35.72 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that our area does not often face heavy rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Gettysburg falls in the 19th percentile, showing that we receive less precipitation than most areas in the country. While the total precipitation in South Dakota averages at 34.67 inches, Gettysburg still ranks above this at the 71st percentile in the state. The lower precipitation levels make solar panel installation in Gettysburg a great option for reliable energy production.
Gettysburg’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.68 and a max UV rating of 3.88, Gettysburg experiences moderate to high levels of sunlight throughout the year. These ratings place Gettysburg in the 29th and 28th percentiles in the nation, respectively. Compared to the national average of 4.29 for average UV rating and 4.61 for max UV rating, our town receives slightly less sunlight. However, when compared to South Dakota’s averages of 3.96 and 4.23, Gettysburg still ranks above the state average. This means that solar panels in Gettysburg will be effective in harnessing sunlight for energy production.
Gettysburg’s Cloud Cover
Gettysburg experienced an average cloud cover of 43% in the last year, falling in the middle range when compared to the nation and the state. With the national average being 44.46% for cloud cover and South Dakota’s average at 40.74%, Gettysburg maintains a relatively stable cloud coverage. The presence of 134 days with clear skies and only 66 days with heavy cloud cover provides ample opportunities for solar panels to generate electricity effectively. By having consistent sunlight exposure, installing solar panels in Gettysburg will ensure optimal energy production.
Gettysburg South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Gettysburg pay around $0.13/kw for electricity, placing the town at the 71st percentile in the nation and the 80th percentile in South Dakota in terms of electricity costs. While the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, South Dakota’s average is slightly lower at $0.11/kw. By investing in solar panels, residents in Gettysburg can significantly reduce their electricity costs in the long run and potentially even produce surplus energy to sell back to the grid, leading to substantial financial savings and environmental benefits.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Gettysburg South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Gettysburg, 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:
- Gettysburg, South Dakota receives less total precipitation compared to the national average, which is a good indicator for effective solar panel performance.
- The UV ratings in Gettysburg are slightly lower than the national average but are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Gettysburg is close to the national average, with fluctuations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Gettysburg, South Dakota pay the national average price of $0.13/kWh for electricity.
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 the average electricity costs in Gettysburg, residents can expect significant savings.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 5-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-7 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many more years. Embracing solar power is a wise decision for both financial and environmental reasons!
Investing in solar power in Gettysburg South Dakota
Transitioning to solar energy in Gettysburg, South Dakota can result in substantial financial savings and environmental benefits for residents. By analyzing the weather data specific to our area, we have determined that Gettysburg receives moderate to high levels of sunlight throughout the year, making solar panels an effective and reliable source of energy production. With electricity costs at around $0.13/kWh, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings in the long run. Based on the analysis, it is estimated that it would take approximately 5-7 years to break even on the initial cost of installing solar panels. Embracing solar power is a wise decision that can bring long-term financial and environmental advantages to homeowners in Gettysburg.