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Solar and Electricity Data for Hills, MN: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Hills, MN at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.3/10 5.5/10 8.2/10 3.5/10 4.2/10
Not Bad 43% daily 3 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

In this article, we will explore the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Hills, Minnesota. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to this area, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. With the potential for savings on your electricity bills and the opportunity to take advantage of the sunny conditions in Hills, investing in solar panels can be a smart decision for your wallet and the environment.

Hills Minnesota Weather Trends

Hills Precipitation

With Hills, Minnesota receiving 34.58 inches of precipitation in the last year, the area is below both the national average of 50.61 inches and Minnesota’s average of 37.31 inches. This means that with less precipitation, solar panels in Hills are less likely to be obstructed by rain, allowing for more consistent energy production throughout the year.

Hills’s UV Rating

Having an average UV rating of 3.79, Hills, Minnesota falls below the national average of 4.29 yet remains above the state average of 3.6. With an average max UV rating of 4.08, Hills outperforms the national average of 4.61 and stays well above the Minnesota average of 3.79. This means that installing solar panels in Hills can maximize energy generation due to the area’s sunlight exposure.

Hills’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, Hills, Minnesota experiences less cloudiness compared to the national average of 44.46% and the state average of 48.96%. This reduced cloud cover provides a clearer path for sunlight to reach solar panels, increasing their efficiency and overall energy production. With a significant number of days experiencing minimal cloud cover, solar panels in Hills have ample opportunity to generate electricity consistently.

Hills Minnesota Electricity Costs

Residents of Hills, Minnesota pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, which is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. Despite being lower than the state average as well, investing in solar panels in Hills can further reduce electricity costs over time, especially considering the area’s favorable weather conditions. By harnessing solar energy, residents can potentially save more on their electricity bills while contributing to a cleaner environment.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Hills Minnesota?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Hills 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:

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

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Hills Minnesota pay slightly less 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 bought from the grid.
  • With slightly lower electricity rates in Hills Minnesota, the savings are solid.

After doing the math, it looks like it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. So, after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Considering the lifespan of solar panels, you’ll enjoy those savings for many years beyond that initial period. It’s a wise choice to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Hills Minnesota

Investing in solar panels for your home in Hills, Minnesota can be a financially smart decision with the potential for significant savings on electricity bills and a quicker break-even point than you might expect. With favorable weather conditions, lower electricity costs, and the ability to harness solar energy efficiently in Hills, installing solar panels can lead to long-term benefits for both your wallet and the environment. Start enjoying the savings and cleaner energy today!