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Solar and Electricity Data for Inver Grove Heights, MN: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Inver Grove Heights, MN at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.7/10 4.2/10 8/10 2.9/10 8.4/10
Not Bad 46% daily 3 inches monthly 3.7 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

Inver Grove Heights Minnesota residents can save money by installing solar panels on their homes. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs in the area, we can estimate the financial benefits of making the switch to solar power. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and the time it takes to break even, this article will show you why going solar is a smart investment for your home.

Inver Grove Heights Minnesota Weather Trends

Inver Grove Heights Precipitation

With 36.06 inches of precipitation in the last year, Inver Grove Heights Minnesota falls below the national average of 50.61 inches but slightly above the state average of 37.31 inches. While Inver Grove Heights may not receive as much rain as other parts of the country, it still benefits from a moderate amount of precipitation that can help keep solar panels clean and efficient throughout the year.

Inver Grove Heights’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 3.69 and a max UV rating of 3.9 in the last year, Inver Grove Heights Minnesota sees lower levels of UV radiation compared to the national average of 4.29 and 4.61, respectively. However, these UV ratings are still sufficient for solar panel efficiency, especially given that Inver Grove Heights receives a comparable amount of sunlight to other parts of Minnesota.

Inver Grove Heights’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 46% cloud cover in the last year, Inver Grove Heights Minnesota experiences slightly more clouds than the national average of 44.46% but less than the state average of 48.96%. Despite this, Inver Grove Heights still enjoys a significant number of clear days ideal for harnessing solar energy, with over 100 days of low cloud cover perfect for maximum solar panel efficiency.

Inver Grove Heights Minnesota Electricity Costs

Residents of Inver Grove Heights Minnesota pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw but in line with the state average. By switching to solar power, homeowners in Inver Grove Heights can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and take advantage of the region’s solar potential to save money in the long run.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Inver Grove Heights Minnesota?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Inver Grove Heights, 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:

  • Inver Grove Heights gets less precipitation than the national average, allowing for efficient solar panel operation.
  • The UV ratings in Inver Grove Heights are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Inver Grove Heights is slightly above the national average, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Inver Grove Heights 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.
  • Given Inver Grove Heights’ higher electricity rates, the savings will be significant.

After doing the calculations, it seems that it would take approximately 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the savings will continue for many years after the initial investment is recovered. It’s a wise financial move that also benefits the environment!

Investing in solar power in Inver Grove Heights Minnesota

After examining the weather trends and electricity costs in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, it is clear that installing solar panels can lead to significant financial savings for residents. With lower precipitation levels, decent UV ratings, and a reasonable amount of cloud cover, the area provides optimal conditions for solar panel operation. Additionally, the slightly higher electricity costs in the region make solar power an attractive option for cutting expenses in the long term. By investing in a solar system, homeowners can expect to break even within 4-5 years and continue to enjoy savings for many years to come. Not only is going solar a smart financial decision, but it also helps the environment by reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Make the switch to solar power today and watch your savings grow!