Overview
In Harlowton, Montana, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant long-term savings on your electricity bills. By analyzing weather data and basic electricity costs over a year in Harlowton, we can show you the financial benefits of switching to solar energy. With the right solar system, you can recoup your initial investment and start saving money in a matter of years. Let’s break down the costs and savings to help you make an informed decision on whether solar panels are right for you.
Harlowton Montana Weather Trends
Harlowton Precipitation
With Harlowton Montana receiving 31.63 inches of precipitation last year, it’s clear that the area sees less rainfall compared to the national average of 50.61 inches. However, when compared to the rest of Montana, Harlowton falls in a higher percentile at the 70th percentile. Utilizing solar panels in Harlowton can take advantage of the clear skies and reduce reliance on traditional electricity sources.
Harlowton’s UV Rating
In terms of average UV rating, Harlowton Montana stands at 3.43, which is lower than the national average of 4.29. However, when considering just Montana, Harlowton is slightly above average at the 54th percentile. Utilizing solar panels can still be beneficial in harvesting solar energy even with moderate UV levels. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 3.65 in Harlowton allows for efficient solar panel operation.
Harlowton’s Cloud Cover
Harlowton Montana experiences an average cloud cover of 36%, which is below both the national average of 44.46% and Montana’s average of 41.59%. This lower cloud cover means more sunlight is available for solar energy generation. With more than half of the days in a year having less than 50% cloud cover, solar panels in Harlowton can generate significant amounts of energy consistently.
Harlowton Montana Electricity Costs
Residents in Harlowton pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw. However, when compared to the rest of Montana, Harlowton is in the 94th percentile, indicating relatively higher electricity costs within the state. By switching to solar energy, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and lower their overall electricity expenses in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harlowton Montana?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harlowton 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:
- Harlowton Montana receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it suitable for solar panels to function effectively.
- The UV ratings in Harlowton Montana are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Harlowton Montana is lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Harlowton Montana 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
- Due to Harlowton Montana’s higher electricity rates, the savings will be greater.
After the calculations, it seems like it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years. Investing in solar panels is a wise choice to save money and contribute to environmental efforts simultaneously!
Investing in solar power in Harlowton Montana
With the financial benefits of installing solar panels in Harlowton, Montana, it’s clear that switching to solar energy can lead to significant long-term savings on electricity bills. By taking advantage of the area’s clear skies and lower cloud cover, residents can generate significant amounts of energy consistently. Despite slightly higher electricity costs in Harlowton, the break-even point for a standard solar system of 10kW is estimated to be around 6 years, allowing residents to start saving money in the long run. Investing in solar panels not only helps save money but also contributes to environmental conservation efforts. Making the switch to solar energy in Harlowton is a smart choice for both your wallet and the planet!