Overview
Living in Parker, South Dakota, you may be wondering if installing solar panels on your home is worth the investment. By analyzing the weather data for the area and taking into account the basic electricity costs, we can demonstrate the financial benefits of going solar. With the average max UV rating, UV rating, percentage cloud cover, and inches of precipitation over the course of a year, we can estimate how long it will take for a solar system to pay for itself. Let’s break down the costs and savings to show you the potential financial gain of switching to solar energy in Parker, South Dakota.
Parker South Dakota Weather Trends
Parker Precipitation
With Parker, South Dakota receiving 35.89 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, compared to the rest of South Dakota, Parker is in a higher percentile at 73%. The lower precipitation levels in Parker make it an ideal location for solar energy production, as less rain means more sun exposure for your solar panels.
Parker’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.01 in Parker, it falls slightly below the national average of 4.29. However, in comparison to the rest of South Dakota, Parker ranks higher at the 79th percentile. This means that Parker residents have ample sunlight to utilize solar panels effectively, making it a wise investment for your home’s energy needs.
Parker’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 41% in Parker, residents can expect a decent amount of sunlight throughout the year. While this is slightly lower than the national average of 44.46%, it is higher than South Dakota’s average of 40.74%. With a significant number of days featuring minimal cloud cover, installing solar panels in Parker can lead to substantial energy savings.
Parker South Dakota Electricity Costs
At $0.12/kw, Parker’s electricity costs are slightly lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. When compared with the rest of South Dakota, Parker falls in the 54th percentile, showcasing its relatively affordable electricity rates. By switching to solar energy, residents can significantly reduce their monthly electricity bills and decrease their carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Parker South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Parker 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:
- Parker South Dakota receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Parker South Dakota are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still conducive to generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Parker South Dakota is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Parker South Dakota 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 need to purchase electricity from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Parker South Dakota, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Parker South Dakota. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start accumulating and pay off the investment. Considering that solar panels last for 25-30 years, the long-term savings and benefits are substantial. Investing in solar panels is a wise decision for both saving money and contributing to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Parker South Dakota
Installing solar panels in Parker, South Dakota can be a smart financial decision. With lower precipitation levels, ample sunlight, and slightly cheaper electricity costs than the national average, the investment in solar energy can pay off in around 7-8 years. After that initial period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate, providing long-term benefits. By making the switch to solar power, not only can residents save money, but they can also reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment for years to come.