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

Gilbert, MN at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.5/10 0.4/10 7.7/10 0.3/10 9.2/10
Not Bad 60% daily 3 inches monthly 3 on average 0.15/kw

Overview

Are you a Gilbert, Minnesota resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for. By analyzing data on weather patterns and electricity costs specific to Gilbert, we can show you how a solar system can help you break even in a short amount of time. With the potential for significant savings, investing in solar panels is a smart financial decision for residents in Gilbert.

Gilbert Minnesota Weather Trends

Gilbert Precipitation

With Gilbert receiving 37.54 inches of precipitation in the last year, we can see that it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches but is slightly above Minnesota’s average of 37.31 inches. Despite being in the 23rd percentile nationally, Gilbert is in the 58th percentile within the state. This means that Gilbert’s lower precipitation levels can have a positive impact on the efficiency of your solar panels, as they can function effectively with less water accumulation.

Gilbert’s UV Rating

Having an average UV rating of 3 in the last year, Gilbert is below the national average of 4.29 but is slightly above Minnesota’s average of 3.6. Additionally, Gilbert had an average max UV rating of 3.15, which is lower than the national and state averages. This moderate UV rating indicates that while Gilbert receives a fair amount of sunlight, it is not excessive, allowing for optimal solar panel performance without the risk of overheating.

Gilbert’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 60% cloud cover in the last year, Gilbert experiences higher cloud coverage compared to the national average of 44.46% and Minnesota’s average of 48.96%. This can impact the amount of sunlight reaching your solar panels. However, with different levels of cloud cover throughout the year, there are still plenty of opportunities for your panels to generate electricity effectively, especially during clearer days.

Gilbert Minnesota Electricity Costs

Residents in Gilbert pay about $0.15/kw for electricity, placing them in the 92nd percentile nationally and the 98th percentile within Minnesota. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, Gilbert’s electricity costs are slightly higher. By investing in solar panels, you can reduce your dependency on the grid and take advantage of the abundant sunlight in Gilbert to generate your electricity, leading to substantial savings in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Gilbert, 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:

  • Gilbert, Minnesota receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Gilbert, Minnesota are slightly lower than the national average but still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Gilbert, Minnesota is higher than the national average, which may impact solar energy production.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Gilbert, 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 system generates electricity, reducing the amount purchased from the grid.
  • Considering higher electricity rates in Gilbert, Minnesota, the savings will be significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This implies that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start accumulating and compensate for the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is not only financially advantageous but also environmentally friendly!

Investing in solar power in Gilbert Minnesota

Investing in solar panels in Gilbert, Minnesota can be a wise decision for residents looking to save money on electricity bills. With lower precipitation levels, moderate UV ratings, and opportunities for effective solar panel performance despite higher cloud cover, Gilbert’s weather conditions are suitable for solar energy generation. Additionally, with slightly higher electricity costs in Gilbert compared to the national average, the potential for significant savings through solar panel installation is promising. By breaking even on the initial investment in approximately 4-6 years, residents can enjoy long-term financial benefits while also contributing to environmental sustainability. Consider making the switch to solar energy in Gilbert to secure a brighter and more cost-effective future!