Overview
Are you looking to save money on your electricity bills while also making a positive impact on the environment? Installing solar panels on your home in Plainview, Minnesota could be the perfect solution for you. By analyzing weather data specific to Plainview, including average precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, we can estimate the savings you could potentially see with a solar system. We will break down the cost of a solar system, compare it to your current electricity costs, and provide an estimate of how long it will take to break even. Let’s explore how going solar could benefit your wallet and the planet.
Plainview Minnesota Weather Trends
Plainview Precipitation
With Plainview receiving 41.47 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area has a fair amount of rainfall. Compared to the rest of the nation, Plainview falls in the 30th percentile, but in Minnesota, it ranks in the 89th percentile. This means that harnessing the power of the sun through solar panels could be extremely beneficial in supplementing your electricity needs, especially on days when the sun may not be as strong.
Plainview’s UV Rating
Plainview’s average UV rating of 3.66 in the last year positions it in the 27th percentile across the nation and the 61st percentile in Minnesota. Although it may not receive the highest UV ratings, it is still enough sunlight to generate solar energy effectively. By going solar, you can take advantage of the sunlight available in Plainview to reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources and decrease your carbon footprint.
Plainview’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 46% cloud cover in the last year, Plainview sits in the 57th percentile nationwide but the 33rd percentile in Minnesota. Despite some cloud cover, there are still plenty of clear days to generate solar energy efficiently. By installing solar panels on your home, you can generate clean energy when the sun is shining bright and save on your electricity bills, even on partly cloudy days.
Plainview Minnesota Electricity Costs
Residents of Plainview pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, placing the town in the 89th percentile nationally and the 86th percentile within Minnesota. While these costs are slightly higher than the national and Minnesota averages of $0.13/kw, investing in solar panels can help offset these expenses in the long run. By producing your own electricity from the sun, you can lower your monthly bills and potentially even earn credits for excess energy produced.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Plainview Minnesota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Plainview 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:
- Plainview Minnesota receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good candidate for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Plainview Minnesota are a bit lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Plainview Minnesota is close to the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Plainview Minnesota 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 need to buy as much from the grid.
- With higher electricity rates in Plainview Minnesota, the savings will be greater.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Plainview Minnesota. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, considering the longevity of solar panels, these savings will continue for many years, making it a wise financial and environmental decision.
Investing in solar power in Plainview Minnesota
After analyzing weather trends and electricity costs in Plainview, Minnesota, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a beneficial investment. With the area receiving a fair amount of rainfall, suitable UV ratings, and manageable cloud cover, solar panels can effectively generate clean energy and help reduce electricity bills. Residents of Plainview, who pay slightly higher electricity rates, could expect to break even on a solar panel installation in about 5 years. This initial investment will lead to long-term savings and a positive impact on both finances and the environment.