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Solar and Electricity Data for Moorhead, MN: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Moorhead, MN at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.1/10 3.6/10 9/10 2.1/10 5.8/10
Not Bad 47% daily 2 inches monthly 3.5 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

In Moorhead, Minnesota, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and basic electricity costs, we will show you how investing in a solar system can help you break even in a shorter amount of time than you may think. Let us walk you through the financial benefits of going solar in Moorhead.

Moorhead Minnesota Weather Trends

Moorhead Precipitation

With Moorhead Minnesota receiving only 27.69 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the city experiences drier conditions compared to both the national and state averages. This lower amount of precipitation offers a prime opportunity for residents to take advantage of solar energy, as sunny days are more prevalent in the region. By harnessing the power of the sun, Moorhead residents can significantly reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources.

Moorhead’s UV Rating

Despite having an average UV rating of 3.55 in the last year, which is slightly lower than the national and state averages, Moorhead still offers ample sunlight to support solar energy production. The city’s average max UV rating of 3.74 further emphasizes the potential for harnessing solar power. With consistent exposure to sunlight, installing solar panels on your home in Moorhead can lead to substantial energy savings over time.

Moorhead’s Cloud Cover

Even though Moorhead Minnesota had an average of 47% cloud cover in the last year, the city still experiences enough sunlight to make solar energy a viable option. With a higher percentage of cloud cover than the national average but lower than the state average, Moorhead residents can capitalize on sunny days to generate electricity from solar panels. By utilizing solar energy on clear days, homeowners in Moorhead can offset their reliance on the grid and save on electricity costs.

Moorhead Minnesota Electricity Costs

At $0.12/kw, Moorhead Minnesota residents pay slightly lower electricity costs compared to the national and state averages. This favorable electricity rate, combined with the city’s sunlight exposure, makes investing in solar panels a financially wise decision. By generating your own electricity through solar power, you can potentially lower your utility bills and reduce your carbon footprint in Moorhead.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Moorhead Minnesota?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Moorhead 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:

  • Moorhead Minnesota receives less total precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Moorhead Minnesota are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Moorhead Minnesota is slightly above the national average, but there are still many days with lower cloud cover percentages.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Moorhead Minnesota pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for cost savings with solar panels.

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 and saving money on electricity bills.
  • With Moorhead Minnesota’s relatively lower electricity rates, the savings from solar power are still significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is a wise decision to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Moorhead Minnesota

Investing in solar panels in Moorhead, Minnesota can be a smart financial decision for homeowners. With lower precipitation, sufficient sunlight, and slightly lower electricity costs compared to national averages, the city offers a prime environment for solar energy generation. By breaking down the costs and analyzing the data, it is estimated that homeowners could break even on their solar panel investment in about 6 years. This means that after this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and provide long-term benefits. Choosing to go solar in Moorhead not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner environment. It’s a win-win situation for both your wallet and the planet!