Overview
Are you a Saint Joseph Minnesota resident looking to save money on your electricity bill? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision for you! By analyzing weather data specific to Saint Joseph, we can show you how much sunlight your home receives, how much you can save on electricity costs, and estimate how long it will take for your solar system to pay for itself. Keep reading to find out how going solar can benefit your wallet in the long run!
Saint Joseph Minnesota Weather Trends
Saint Joseph Precipitation
In the last year, Saint Joseph Minnesota received 47.17 inches of precipitation. Compared to the rest of the country, this puts Saint Joseph in the 42nd percentile, but within Minnesota, it ranks in the 96th percentile. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Minnesota’s average is 37.31 inches. With a higher than average precipitation rate, Saint Joseph has great potential for solar energy generation.
Saint Joseph’s UV Rating
Over the last year, Saint Joseph Minnesota had an average UV rating of 6.33. This rating places Saint Joseph in the 98th percentile both nationally and within Minnesota, showcasing the abundant sunlight in the area. The national average UV rating stands at 4.29, and Minnesota’s average is 3.6. Additionally, Saint Joseph had an average max UV rating of 6.17, further emphasizing the strong sunlight exposure making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Saint Joseph’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 59% cloud cover in the last year, Saint Joseph Minnesota sits in the 95th percentile nationally and the 94th percentile within Minnesota. While the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Minnesota’s average is 48.96%, Saint Joseph experiences a moderate amount of cloud cover. However, the number of clear days allows for significant solar energy production throughout the year.
Saint Joseph Minnesota Electricity Costs
Saint Joseph residents pay around $0.13 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, positioning the town in the 69th percentile across the nation and the 48th percentile within Minnesota. Both the national and state average for residential electricity costs are also $0.13 per kilowatt-hour. By investing in solar panels, Saint Joseph residents can take advantage of the high sunlight exposure and relatively average electricity rates to significantly reduce their energy costs in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Saint Joseph Minnesota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Saint Joseph 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:
- Saint Joseph Minnesota receives slightly less precipitation than the national average which is good for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Saint Joseph Minnesota are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Saint Joseph Minnesota is higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Saint Joseph Minnesota pay the same amount for electricity as 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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
- With Saint Joseph Minnesota’s average electricity rates, the savings will be in line with the national average.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after 5 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. Since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart investment that not only saves money but also helps the environment!
Investing in solar power in Saint Joseph Minnesota
Installing solar panels in Saint Joseph Minnesota can be a financially wise decision. With higher than average sunlight exposure and electricity costs in line with the national average, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in about 5 years. After that, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, making it a smart long-term investment for both your wallet and the environment. By harnessing the abundant sunlight in the area, you can enjoy reduced energy costs and eco-friendly energy production for years to come.