Overview
Are you a resident of Sterling, North Dakota looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home may be a smart choice. By analyzing the weather data in Sterling, including inches of precipitation, average UV ratings, and cloud cover, we can estimate the potential savings you could have with a solar system. We will break down the costs involved and show you how long it may take to break even, giving you a clear picture of the financial benefits of going solar in Sterling, North Dakota.
Sterling North Dakota Weather Trends
Sterling Precipitation
Living in Sterling, North Dakota, you experience around 33.92 inches of precipitation annually. Compared to the rest of the country, Sterling falls in the 17th percentile, while in North Dakota, it ranks in the 86th percentile. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and North Dakota averages 30.8 inches. By harnessing the power of the sun with solar panels, you can reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and potentially save on your electricity bills.
Sterling’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.58, Sterling is in the 22nd percentile nationally and the 84th percentile in North Dakota. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, while North Dakota’s average is 3.46. Additionally, Sterling has an average max UV rating of 3.73, placing it in the 24th percentile nationwide and the 75th percentile in North Dakota. By installing solar panels, you can take advantage of the sunlight in Sterling to generate clean energy for your home.
Sterling’s Cloud Cover
On average, Sterling experiences a 43% cloud cover, ranking it in the 45th percentile in the nation and the 12th percentile in North Dakota. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and North Dakota’s average of 46.71%, Sterling has favorable conditions for solar energy production. With a significant number of days with minimal cloud cover, solar panels can efficiently convert sunlight into electricity for your home.
Sterling North Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents in Sterling, North Dakota, pay about $0.1 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 15th percentile nationally and the 55th percentile in North Dakota. The national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while North Dakota averages $0.1/kw. By making the switch to solar power, you can offset your electricity costs and potentially save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Sterling North Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Sterling, North 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:
- Sterling, North Dakota received less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Sterling, North Dakota are slightly lower than the national average, but still effective for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Sterling, North Dakota is slightly lower than the national average, providing good conditions for solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Sterling, North Dakota pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for saving money with solar power.
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:
- By generating electricity from solar panels, residents can reduce their reliance on the grid, leading to cost savings.
- Considering the lower electricity costs in Sterling, North Dakota, the savings from solar power will accumulate faster.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, residents can enjoy significant savings for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is not only a financially sound decision but also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Sterling North Dakota
With all factors considered, installing solar panels in Sterling, North Dakota can be a wise financial investment. By taking advantage of the favorable weather conditions and lower electricity costs in the area, residents can expect to break even on their initial investment in solar panels within 6-7 years. Beyond that point, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, providing long-term financial benefits and contributing to a cleaner environment. If you’re looking to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, going solar in Sterling, North Dakota is a smart choice.