Overview
Living in Lewistown, Montana, means experiencing all four distinct seasons, with snowy winters and pleasant summers. But did you know that all that sunshine can be harnessed to save you money on your electricity bills? In this article, we will show you how installing solar panels on your home can significantly reduce your monthly energy costs and help you break even on your investment in a relatively short amount of time. With data on weather patterns and average electricity rates in Lewistown, you will see just how financially beneficial it can be to make the switch to solar energy.
Lewistown Montana Weather Trends
Lewistown Precipitation
With Lewistown receiving 41.12 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 29th percentile in the nation. Compared to the rest of Montana, it is in the 88th percentile. While the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, Montana’s average is 28.52 inches. This means that despite its lower precipitation levels, Lewistown can still benefit greatly from installing solar panels.
Lewistown’s UV Rating
Lewistown recorded an average UV rating of 3.42 in the last year. This places it in the 16th percentile nationally and the 54th percentile in Montana. When compared to the national average of 4.29, as well as Montana’s average of 3.4, Lewistown may seem to have lower UV exposure. However, with an average max UV rating of 3.6, there is still significant solar energy to be harnessed.
Lewistown’s Cloud Cover
Having an average of 38% cloud cover in the last year, Lewistown ranks in the 21st percentile nationally and the 34th percentile in Montana. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, with Montana’s average at 41.59%. With a considerable number of clear days and manageable cloud cover, Lewistown is an ideal location for solar panel installation to maximize energy generation.
Lewistown Montana Electricity Costs
Residents of Lewistown pay around $0.16/kw for electricity, placing them in the 94th percentile nationally and at the top in Montana. Nationally, the average residential electricity cost is $0.13/kw, while in Montana it is $0.12/kw. By making the switch to solar energy, Lewistown residents can significantly reduce their monthly energy bills and recoup their investment in a short period, making it a financially savvy choice.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lewistown Montana?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lewistown, Montana, 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:
- Lewistown gets slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, which means there’s plenty of sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Lewistown are lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Lewistown is lower than the national average, providing more sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lewistown pay a bit 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, especially with higher electricity rates in Lewistown.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after 6 years, the savings on electricity bills will start accumulating and pay off the investment. Additionally, given the long lifespan of solar panels, those savings will continue for many years to come. Investing in solar panels is both a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly choice!
Investing in solar power in Lewistown Montana
Installing solar panels in Lewistown, Montana, can be a wise financial decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. With lower precipitation levels, adequate UV ratings, and manageable cloud cover, there is plenty of sunshine to harness for solar energy generation. Despite higher electricity costs compared to the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings in the long run. Based on the data presented, residents can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in around 6 years, with ongoing savings for many years to come. Making the switch to solar energy is not only financially beneficial but also environmentally friendly, making it a smart choice for Lewistown residents.