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Solar and Electricity Data for Glendive, MT: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Glendive, MT at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.3/10 8/10 9.2/10 3.7/10 0.7/10
Not Bad 38% daily 2 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Are you tired of paying high electricity bills in Glendive, Montana? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for. With the abundance of sunshine in Glendive, you could potentially save thousands of dollars each year on your energy costs. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate how long it will take to break even, and show you the financial benefits of going solar in your hometown.

Glendive Montana Weather Trends

Glendive Precipitation

With Glendive receiving 24.03 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the city is drier than most areas in the country, ranking only in the 8th percentile nationally. Compared to the rest of Montana, Glendive falls in the 39th percentile, showing that it still receives less precipitation than other parts of the state. This lack of rain means that solar panels in Glendive will have fewer interruptions due to weather, allowing for consistent energy production throughout the year.

Glendive’s UV Rating

Glendive’s average UV rating of 3.83 in the last year puts it below the national average, ranking in the 37th percentile. However, when compared to the rest of Montana, Glendive is in the 93rd percentile, indicating that the city experiences relatively high levels of UV radiation. This high UV rating means that solar panels in Glendive will be more efficient at converting sunlight into electricity, maximizing the financial benefits of going solar in this area.

Glendive’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 38% cloud cover in the last year, Glendive experiences less cloudiness compared to the national average of 44.46%. In Montana, Glendive falls slightly below the average cloud cover of 41.59%. The city’s relatively low cloud cover percentage means that solar panels in Glendive will have more access to direct sunlight, increasing their efficiency and overall energy production. This makes Glendive an ideal location for solar panel installation.

Glendive Montana Electricity Costs

Glendive residents pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, which is lower than both the national average of $0.13/kw and Montana’s average of $0.12/kw. With the cost of electricity being lower in Glendive, switching to solar power can lead to even greater savings on energy bills. By installing solar panels on your home, you can take advantage of the abundant sunshine in Glendive and significantly reduce your electricity costs over time. It’s a smart financial decision that can benefit both your wallet and the environment.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Glendive Montana?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Glendive Montana, 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:

  • Glendive Montana receives less precipitation than the national average, providing good conditions for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Glendive Montana is lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Glendive Montana pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making it a good choice for solar power investment.

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 Glendive Montana, the savings are still significant.

After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-5 years, the savings on electricity bills will start accumulating and paying off the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. It’s a wise investment for both your finances and the environment!

Investing in solar power in Glendive Montana

Installing solar panels in Glendive, Montana can be a smart financial decision for both your wallet and the environment. With the city’s relatively dry climate, high UV ratings, and low cloud cover, solar panels can efficiently generate electricity, leading to significant savings on energy bills over time. Considering the lower electricity costs in Glendive and the quick payback period of around 4-5 years for a standard solar system, investing in solar power is a wise choice that can benefit you for decades to come. Take advantage of the abundance of sunshine in Glendive and start saving on your electricity costs today!