Overview
Are you a homeowner in Harwood, North Dakota looking to cut down on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial move! By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Harwood, we will show you how much money you could save by switching to solar energy. With a breakdown of the costs of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you’ll see the potential financial benefits of going solar in your area.
Harwood North Dakota Weather Trends
Harwood Precipitation
With an annual precipitation of 29.67 inches, Harwood ranks in the 12th percentile nationwide and the 38th percentile within North Dakota. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and North Dakota’s average of 30.8 inches, Harwood receives significantly less rainfall, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Harwood’s UV Rating
Harwood has an average UV rating of 3.52, placing it in the 19th percentile nationally and the 72nd percentile in North Dakota. While the national average UV rating is 4.29 and North Dakota’s average is 3.46, Harwood’s UV rating indicates ample sunlight exposure, which is essential for maximizing the efficiency of solar panels.
Harwood’s Cloud Cover
Harwood experiences an average cloud cover of 48%, ranking it in the 68th percentile nationwide and the 69th percentile in North Dakota. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and North Dakota’s average of 46.71%, Harwood has relatively clear skies, allowing for optimal sunlight absorption by solar panels throughout the year.
Harwood North Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Harwood pay around $0.11/kw for electricity, which positions the town in the 32nd percentile nationally and the 87th percentile within North Dakota. Despite the national average of $0.13/kw and North Dakota’s average of $0.1/kw, Harwood enjoys comparatively lower electricity costs, making solar energy a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harwood North Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harwood North Dakota, 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:
- Harwood North Dakota receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Harwood North Dakota are slightly lower than the national average but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Harwood North Dakota is slightly higher than the national average, varying throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Harwood North Dakota pay 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 costs.
- With Harwood North Dakota’s lower electricity rates, the savings may take longer to cover the initial investment.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it might take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Harwood North Dakota. This means, after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to compensate for the investment. Since solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to save money for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar power is a wise choice for long-term savings and environmental benefits.
Investing in solar power in Harwood North Dakota
Investing in solar panels in Harwood, North Dakota is a smart financial decision that can lead to long-term savings and environmental benefits. With lower precipitation levels, ample sunlight exposure, and clear skies, Harwood is an ideal location for solar panel installation. Additionally, the town’s relatively low electricity costs make solar energy a cost-effective alternative to traditional electricity sources. By analyzing the data, we can see that homeowners in Harwood could expect to break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 8-10 years. Beyond that initial period, the money saved on electricity bills will continue to provide financial benefits for many years to come. Embracing solar energy is not only a wise financial move but also a step towards a more sustainable future.