Overview
Looking to save money on your electricity bill while also reducing your impact on the environment? In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, installing solar panels on your home can be a smart financial investment. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we’ll show you how much you can save each year and how long it will take for your solar system to pay for itself. With ample sunlight, low cloud cover, and rising electricity prices, now is the perfect time to consider going solar in Sioux Falls.
Sioux Falls South Dakota Weather Trends
Sioux Falls Precipitation
With an annual precipitation of 35.88 inches, Sioux Falls is in the 73rd percentile in South Dakota and the 20th percentile in the nation. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and South Dakota’s average of 34.67 inches, Sioux Falls receives less rainfall, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Sioux Falls’s UV Rating
Sioux Falls boasts an average UV rating of 3.91, ranking it in the 63rd percentile in South Dakota and the 41st percentile in the nation. The national average UV rating is 4.29, and South Dakota’s average is 3.96. With an average max UV rating of 4.22, Sioux Falls receives ample sunlight, perfect for maximizing the efficiency of solar panels.
Sioux Falls’s Cloud Cover
On average, Sioux Falls experiences 41% cloud cover, placing it in the 55th percentile in South Dakota and the 35th percentile in the nation. With fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46% and South Dakota’s average of 40.74%, Sioux Falls offers optimal conditions for harnessing solar energy throughout the year.
Sioux Falls South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Sioux Falls pay around $0.12/kw for electricity, ranking the city in the 70th percentile in South Dakota and the 52nd percentile in the nation. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and South Dakota’s average is $0.11/kw. By investing in solar panels, Sioux Falls residents can combat rising electricity prices while reducing their carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Sioux Falls South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Sioux Falls, 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:
- Sioux Falls receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Sioux Falls are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Sioux Falls is slightly less than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Sioux Falls pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for investing in 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.
- With Sioux Falls’ lower electricity rates, the savings are not as significant compared to other locations.
After analyzing the data, it seems like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Sioux Falls. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start offsetting the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the savings will accumulate over a long period. Investing in solar panels is a wise choice for long-term financial benefits and environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Sioux Falls South Dakota
Considering the weather conditions in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and the electricity costs for residents, investing in solar panels can be a smart financial decision. With ample sunlight, low cloud cover, and slightly lower electricity rates than the national average, it would take approximately 7-8 years to break even on the initial cost. As solar panels typically last between 25-30 years, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make installing solar panels in Sioux Falls a worthwhile investment. Take advantage of the optimal conditions in Sioux Falls and start saving on your electricity bill while reducing your carbon footprint today.