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Solar and Electricity Data for Strathcona, MN: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Strathcona, MN at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.5/10 1.4/10 8.8/10 0.6/10 1.5/10
OK 54% daily 3 inches monthly 3.1 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Are you tired of seeing your electricity bill rise year after year? Have you ever considered harnessing the power of the sun to save money and help the environment? In this article, we will show you why installing solar panels on your Strathcona Minnesota home is a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we will break down the initial cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. Get ready to discover the long-term financial benefits of going solar in Strathcona Minnesota!

Strathcona Minnesota Weather Trends

Strathcona Precipitation

With an annual total of 30.18 inches of precipitation, Strathcona Minnesota ranks in the 12th percentile in the nation and the 8th percentile in Minnesota. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Minnesota’s average of 37.31 inches, it’s clear that Strathcona receives less rainfall. This means that solar panels in Strathcona are less likely to be obstructed by rainwater, maximizing their efficiency and ultimately saving you money in the long run.

Strathcona’s UV Rating

Strathcona Minnesota had an average UV rating of 3.14 in the last year, placing it in the 6th percentile in the nation and the 11th percentile in Minnesota. When compared to the national average of 4.29 and Minnesota’s average of 3.6, it’s evident that Strathcona receives a moderate amount of sunlight. With an average max UV rating of 3.24, Strathcona is in the lower percentiles compared to the national and state averages. However, this still provides sufficient sunlight for effective solar panel performance.

Strathcona’s Cloud Cover

Strathcona Minnesota had an average cloud cover of 54% in the last year, ranking it in the 86th percentile in the nation and the 81st percentile in Minnesota. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% and Minnesota’s average is 48.96%. Although Strathcona experiences quite a bit of cloud cover, there are still many days with clear skies, allowing for ample sunlight to reach your solar panels. This means that despite the cloud cover, you can still benefit from solar energy in Strathcona.

Strathcona Minnesota Electricity Costs

Residents of Strathcona Minnesota pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, placing them in the 15th percentile in the nation and the 2nd percentile in Minnesota. Comparing this to the national average of $0.13/kw and Minnesota’s average of $0.13/kw, it’s clear that Strathcona residents enjoy lower electricity costs. By installing solar panels on your home, you can further reduce your electricity expenses and potentially even earn credits for excess energy generated, making it a financially wise decision in Strathcona.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Strathcona Minnesota?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Strathcona 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:

  • Strathcona Minnesota receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Strathcona Minnesota are slightly lower than the national average, but still favorable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Strathcona Minnesota is higher than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Strathcona Minnesota 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 amount purchased from the grid, especially with the lower electricity costs in Strathcona Minnesota.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many more years to come. It’s a great way to save money and contribute to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in Strathcona Minnesota

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Strathcona Minnesota, it is clear that investing in solar panels for your home is a financially smart decision. With lower precipitation levels, moderate UV ratings, and manageable cloud cover, the conditions in Strathcona are favorable for solar panel efficiency. Additionally, the relatively low electricity costs in the area further enhance the potential savings from using solar power. Based on our calculations, it would take approximately 8 years to cover the initial cost of installing solar panels, after which you can enjoy significant savings on your electricity bills for many years to come. By going solar in Strathcona, you not only save money but also contribute to a greener environment. Make the switch to solar today and start reaping the long-term financial benefits!