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Solar and Electricity Data for Madison, SD: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Madison, SD at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.4/10 5.6/10 8.4/10 3.5/10 4.6/10
Not Bad 43% daily 3 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

Are you a Madison South Dakota resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’ve been looking for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Madison, we will show you how much money you can save by going solar. With the cost of a solar system broken down and an estimate of when you will break even, you’ll see just how financially beneficial solar energy can be for you.

Madison South Dakota Weather Trends

Madison Precipitation

Living in Madison, South Dakota means experiencing a moderate amount of precipitation throughout the year. With 33.41 inches of precipitation in the last year, Madison falls below the national average but is slightly above the state average. While other parts of the country may receive more rainfall, this level of precipitation is still favorable for solar energy production in Madison.

Madison’s UV Rating

Madison South Dakota enjoys a decent amount of sunlight, with an average UV rating of 3.79 in the last year. While this is lower than the national average, it is in line with the state average. With an average max UV rating of 4.05, Madison has ample sunlight to harness solar energy efficiently. This means that installing solar panels on your home in Madison would be a wise investment.

Madison’s Cloud Cover

Madison South Dakota’s average cloud cover of 43% is slightly higher than the national average but below the state average. Despite this, Madison still has plenty of clear days with various cloud cover percentages. This means that even with some cloud cover, there will be enough sunlight to power your solar panels effectively, making them a reliable source of energy for your home.

Madison South Dakota Electricity Costs

With electricity costs in Madison South Dakota at $0.12/kw, residents are already paying less than the national average. In fact, electricity costs in Madison are also lower than the state average. By switching to solar energy, you can further reduce your electricity expenses and save even more money in the long run. With the financial benefits of solar power in Madison, it’s a smart choice to invest in solar panels for your home.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Madison South Dakota?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Madison, 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:

  • Madison receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Madison are slightly below the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Madison is close to the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Madison 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 Madison’s lower electricity rates, the savings might take longer to cover the initial cost.

After analyzing the data, it seems that it could take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, solar panels have a long lifespan, so the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar energy is a wise choice for saving money and contributing to a greener environment.

Investing in solar power in Madison South Dakota

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Madison, South Dakota, it is evident that investing in solar panels for your home can bring significant financial benefits. With Madison receiving a favorable amount of sunlight and having lower electricity costs than the national average, residents can expect to break even on their solar installation investment within 8-10 years. Beyond this point, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, making solar energy a smart choice for saving money and supporting a greener environment in Madison.