Overview
Living in Kent, Minnesota, means experiencing all four seasons throughout the year. With an average of 38 inches of precipitation, moderate levels of cloud cover, and a decent amount of sunshine, the weather conditions are ideal for harnessing solar energy. By installing solar panels on your home, you can take advantage of the sunny days to generate your own electricity and save money on your energy bills. 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 how investing in solar power can benefit both your wallet and the environment.
Kent Minnesota Weather Trends
Kent Precipitation
With Kent receiving 30.51 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area has a lower amount of rain compared to both the national average of 50.61 inches and the Minnesota average of 37.31 inches. This means that Kent residents have a higher chance of enjoying sunny days, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy and reducing their reliance on traditional power sources.
Kent’s UV Rating
At an average UV rating of 3.6 and a max UV rating of 3.79 in the last year, Kent falls below the national and state averages. However, this does not diminish the potential for generating solar power. Even with slightly lower UV levels, installing solar panels can still be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way to power your home, especially compared to relying solely on grid electricity.
Kent’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 46%, Kent still has a decent amount of clear days throughout the year. With a good number of days seeing lower cloud cover percentages, residents have ample opportunities to generate solar energy. By taking advantage of these sunny days, Kent homeowners can decrease their reliance on fossil fuels and reduce their carbon footprint.
Kent Minnesota Electricity Costs
With electricity costs in Kent averaging around $0.11/kw, residents are already paying less compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. By switching to solar power, homeowners can further reduce their electricity bills and even sell excess energy back to the grid, ultimately saving money in the long run while also contributing to a cleaner environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Kent Minnesota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Kent 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:
- Kent Minnesota receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Kent Minnesota are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Kent Minnesota is around the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Kent 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 needed from the grid.
- With electricity costs in Kent Minnesota, the savings will slowly accumulate over time.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will help recover the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the savings gained after the payback period will continue for many years, making it a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment.
Investing in solar power in Kent Minnesota
Living in Kent, Minnesota, provides residents with an opportunity to take advantage of the area’s weather conditions and electricity costs by investing in solar power. With lower precipitation, decent UV ratings, and varying cloud cover, Kent is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. By installing solar panels, homeowners can expect to break even on their initial investment in approximately 7-8 years, ultimately saving money on electricity bills for many years to come. Not only does solar power benefit your wallet, but it also contributes to a cleaner environment by reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Embracing solar energy in Kent can be a smart financial decision with long-lasting positive effects.