Overview
Are you a Keystone, South Dakota resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been waiting for. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar power based on weather data collected over 365 days in Keystone, including inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and average percentage cloud cover. We will also outline the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. So, if you’re interested in reducing your electricity costs and contributing to a more sustainable future, keep reading to discover the advantages of going solar in Keystone.
Keystone South Dakota Weather Trends
Keystone Precipitation
In the last year, Keystone, South Dakota received 34.89 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 60th percentile in South Dakota and the 18th percentile in the nation. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Keystone sees less rain, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar power. With less rainy days, solar panels can operate efficiently throughout the year, maximizing energy production and reducing your electricity bills.
Keystone’s UV Rating
Keystone, South Dakota had an average UV rating of 3.92 in the last year, ranking it in the 64th percentile in South Dakota and the 41st percentile in the nation. With abundant sunshine throughout the year, Keystone is an excellent location for solar panel installation. Higher UV ratings mean more sunlight available, resulting in increased energy output from solar panels and faster ROI on your solar investment.
Keystone’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Keystone, South Dakota had an average cloud cover of 33%, placing it in the 8th percentile in South Dakota and the 11th percentile in the nation. With a lower percentage of cloud cover compared to national and state averages, the potential for solar energy generation in Keystone is high. Fewer cloudy days mean more sunshine for your solar panels to convert into electricity, saving you money on your utility bills and reducing your carbon footprint.
Keystone South Dakota Electricity Costs
Keystone, South Dakota residents pay about $0.14 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, ranking it in the 93rd percentile in the state and the 85th percentile in the nation. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, Keystone’s slightly higher rates make solar panel installation an even more appealing investment. By switching to solar power, you can lock in lower energy costs, protect yourself against future utility rate hikes, and enjoy long-term savings on your electricity bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Keystone South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Keystone, 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:
- Keystone, South Dakota receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Keystone, South Dakota are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Keystone, South Dakota is lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Keystone, South Dakota 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 the higher electricity rates in Keystone, South Dakota, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the numbers, it seems it would take approximately 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you can enjoy these savings for many years after the initial payback period. Investing in solar energy is a smart way to save money and contribute positively to the environment!
Investing in solar power in Keystone South Dakota
Switching to solar power in Keystone, South Dakota can provide significant financial benefits, such as long-term savings on electricity bills and faster return on investment. With favorable weather conditions and slightly higher electricity costs, installing solar panels in Keystone is a smart decision for residents looking to save money and contribute to a more sustainable future. By harnessing the abundant sunshine and lower cloud cover in Keystone, you can enjoy the benefits of solar energy for years to come. Make the switch to solar power today and start saving!