Overview
In Howes, South Dakota, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we have determined how much money you can save with a solar system. With the average sunny days and low cloud cover in Howes, residents can generate a substantial amount of clean energy, reducing their reliance on expensive utility companies. Our breakdown of solar system costs and estimated time to break even will show you why making the switch to solar is a smart investment for your home and your wallet.
Howes South Dakota Weather Trends
Howes Precipitation
With Howes receiving 30.52 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area experiences relatively low levels of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Howes is in the 12th percentile across the country, indicating a drier climate. When compared to the rest of South Dakota, Howes falls in the 22nd percentile, further highlighting its lower precipitation levels. This means less risk of weather-related damage to your solar panels, making it a safer investment for your home.
Howes’s UV Rating
Howes South Dakota had an average UV rating of 3.77 in the last year, putting it in the 34th percentile in the nation and the 38th percentile in South Dakota. With an average max UV rating of 4.07, Howes also falls in the 34th percentile nationally and the 46th percentile within the state. These UV ratings indicate that Howes receives a moderate amount of sunlight, making it a suitable location for solar panel installation. Taking advantage of these UV ratings can help you generate more clean energy for your home.
Howes’s Cloud Cover
Having an average of 38% cloud cover in the last year, Howes South Dakota is in the 19th percentile nationally and the 21st percentile in South Dakota. With 155 days of between 0% and 25% cloud cover, 90 days of between 25% and 50% cloud cover, 68 days of between 50% and 75% cloud cover, and 51 days of between 75% and 100% cloud cover, Howes experiences a good amount of sunny days ideal for solar energy production. This means more opportunities for your solar panels to generate electricity efficiently throughout the year.
Howes South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents in Howes South Dakota pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning the area in the 80th percentile nationally and the 89th percentile within South Dakota. The national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, while South Dakota’s average is slightly lower at $0.11/kw. By harnessing solar power, you can significantly reduce your reliance on expensive utility companies, saving money on your electricity bills over time. Switching to solar can help you take control of your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Howes South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Howes South 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:
- Howes South Dakota receives less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Howes South Dakota are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Howes South Dakota is lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Howes South Dakota pay the same amount 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 buy electricity from the grid.
- With electricity costs at $0.13/kw, the savings can accumulate over time.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, considering that solar panels last for 25 to 30 years, the long-term savings and environmental benefits outweigh the initial cost. It’s a wise investment for both your finances and the planet!
Investing in solar power in Howes South Dakota
Installing solar panels in Howes, South Dakota is a smart decision for both your finances and the environment. With lower precipitation levels, moderate UV ratings, and ample sunny days, Howes is an ideal location for solar energy production. By taking advantage of these weather conditions and the fact that residents pay the national average for electricity, you can expect to break even on your solar panel investment in approximately 5 years. This means that you will start saving money on your electricity bills while reducing your carbon footprint. Making the switch to solar power in Howes is not only a smart financial investment but also a positive step towards a more sustainable future.