Overview
In Harris, Minnesota, installing solar panels on your home can save you a significant amount of money on your electricity bills. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we have determined that the financial benefits of investing in solar energy are substantial. In this article, we will break down the costs of a solar system, estimate the time it will take to break even, and show you just how much you can save by making the switch to solar power.
Harris Minnesota Weather Trends
Harris Precipitation
In the last year, Harris Minnesota received 35.34 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 19th percentile in the nation and the 38th percentile in Minnesota. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Minnesota’s average of 37.31 inches, Harris may not receive as much rain, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy for your home.
Harris’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.54 in Harris, it falls in the 20th percentile nationally and the 43rd percentile in Minnesota. While the national average UV rating is 4.29 and Minnesota’s average is 3.6, Harris still receives plenty of sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 3.71 in Harris positions it in the 23rd percentile in the nation and the 48th percentile in Minnesota.
Harris’s Cloud Cover
Over the last year, Harris Minnesota had an average of 49% cloud cover, ranking it in the 70th percentile in the nation and the 59th percentile in Minnesota. Although the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% and Minnesota’s average is 48.96%, Harris still experiences a sufficient amount of sunny days, allowing solar panels to work effectively. With 89 days of minimal cloud cover and only 78 days with extensive cloud cover, Harris offers ample opportunities for solar energy production.
Harris Minnesota Electricity Costs
Residents of Harris, Minnesota pay around $0.14/kw for electricity, which places Harris in the 90th percentile nationally as well as in Minnesota. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, matching Minnesota’s average as well. By investing in solar panels, Harris residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills over time and take advantage of the abundant sunlight in the area to generate clean, renewable energy for their homes.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harris Minnesota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harris 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:
- Harris Minnesota receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Harris Minnesota are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Harris Minnesota is slightly higher than the national average, which may impact solar panel performance.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Harris 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 needed from the grid.
- With slightly higher electricity rates in Harris Minnesota, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Harris Minnesota. This means that after 6 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years after that initial period. It’s a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment in the long run!
Investing in solar power in Harris Minnesota
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Harris, Minnesota, it is evident that investing in solar panels for your home can lead to significant financial savings. With lower precipitation rates, ample sunlight, and slightly higher electricity costs, Harris is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. By breaking down the costs and estimating the time it would take to break even on a solar installation, we have determined that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial investment. However, the long lifespan of solar panels ensures that the savings on electricity bills will continue well beyond that period. Making the switch to solar power in Harris is not only a smart financial decision but also a sustainable choice for the environment.