Overview
Are you a Great Falls resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Consider installing solar panels on your home! By analyzing weather data specific to Great Falls Montana, we can show you how much you can save on electricity costs over time. With the average electricity cost in mind, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. Let’s take a closer look at the financial benefits of going solar in Great Falls Montana.
Great Falls Montana Weather Trends
Great Falls Precipitation
Great Falls Montana received 21.63 inches of precipitation in the last year, placing it in the 7th percentile in the nation and the 17th percentile in Montana. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Montana’s average is 28.52 inches. With relatively lower precipitation levels, Great Falls is an ideal location for solar panels to maximize energy production throughout the year.
Great Falls’s UV Rating
In the last year, Great Falls Montana had an average UV rating of 3.57, positioning it in the 22nd percentile in the nation and the 67th percentile in Montana. The national average for average UV rating is 4.29, while Montana’s average is 3.4. Additionally, Great Falls had an average max UV rating of 3.81, placing it in the 26th percentile in the nation and the 70th percentile in Montana. These UV ratings indicate ample sunlight exposure, making solar panels a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution for residents.
Great Falls’s Cloud Cover
Great Falls Montana had an average of 39% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 24th percentile in the nation and the 42nd percentile in Montana. The national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, while Montana’s average is 41.59%. With a moderate level of cloud cover, Great Falls offers sunny days ideal for solar panel efficiency. Additionally, the distribution of cloud cover days allows for consistent energy production from solar panels.
Great Falls Montana Electricity Costs
Great Falls Montana residents pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, placing them in the 57th percentile in the nation and the 75th percentile in Montana. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Montana’s average is also $0.12/kw. With competitive electricity costs and the potential for savings through solar energy, installing solar panels in Great Falls is a smart financial investment for long-term energy sustainability.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Great Falls Montana?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Great Falls, 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:
- Great Falls gets less precipitation compared to the national average, which is ideal for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power efficiently.
- Cloud cover is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Great Falls pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect the savings from using solar power.
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 needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- With Great Fall’s lower electricity rates, the savings might not be as significant compared to other areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to surpass the initial investment. Keep in mind that solar panels have a long lifespan, so you’ll continue to save money for many years after that initial period. Investing in solar panels is not only a smart financial decision but also an eco-friendly choice that benefits both your wallet and the environment.
Investing in solar power in Great Falls Montana
Installing solar panels in Great Falls, Montana can lead to significant cost savings over time. With lower precipitation levels, ample sunlight exposure, and moderate cloud cover, the weather conditions in Great Falls are ideal for maximizing the efficiency of solar panels. Additionally, residents in Great Falls pay competitive electricity rates, making the investment in solar energy a smart financial choice. By breaking down the costs and anticipated savings, it is estimated that it would take around 8-10 years to break even on the initial investment in solar panels. This not only results in long-term financial benefits but also contributes to a sustainable and eco-friendly energy solution for the community. Consider going solar in Great Falls to save money and support renewable energy!