Overview
Are you tired of high electricity bills in Sturgis, South Dakota? Installing solar panels on your home can help you save money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs in the area, we can show you how much you can save by making the switch to solar energy. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you’ll see that going solar is a smart financial decision for Sturgis residents.
Sturgis South Dakota Weather Trends
Sturgis Precipitation
With Sturgis receiving 36.99 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches but surpasses South Dakota’s average of 34.67 inches. Installing solar panels in a place with relatively low rainfall like Sturgis can be advantageous as it would not face as many challenges associated with heavy precipitation.
Sturgis’s UV Rating
Sturgis had an average UV rating of 3.78, placing it below the national average of 4.29 but slightly above South Dakota’s average of 3.96. Considering Sturgis’s lower UV rating compared to the rest of the country, solar panels can still be a viable option as they can generate significant electricity even with moderate sunlight levels.
Sturgis’s Cloud Cover
Sturgis had an average cloud cover of 33%, lower than both the national average of 44.46% and South Dakota’s average of 40.74%. With more sunny days compared to other areas, Sturgis is an ideal location for solar panel installation as it can capitalize on the abundant sunshine to generate renewable energy.
Sturgis South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents in Sturgis pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw but exceeds South Dakota’s average of $0.11/kw. By switching to solar energy, Sturgis residents can take advantage of the abundant sunshine to reduce their electricity bills over time, making it a financially wise decision.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Sturgis South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Sturgis, South 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:
- Sturgis receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Sturgis are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power effectively.
- Cloud cover in Sturgis is lower than the national average, with many days having clear skies which is ideal for solar energy generation.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Sturgis pay the same as the national average for electricity, which is relatively lower compared to other areas.
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 purchase from the grid.
- With Sturgis’ electricity rates, the savings will accumulate over the years, helping offset the initial investment cost.
After analyzing the data, it seems like it would take approximately 5 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to exceed the initial investment. Moreover, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you can enjoy these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy proves to be a smart decision that not only saves money but also benefits the environment.
Investing in solar power in Sturgis South Dakota
Switching to solar energy in Sturgis, South Dakota is a smart choice financially and environmentally. With lower precipitation levels, higher sunshine hours, and relatively higher electricity costs, installing solar panels can help residents save money in the long run. By breaking down the costs of a solar system and estimating the payback period, it is clear that investing in solar energy is a wise decision for Sturgis residents looking to reduce their electricity bills and contribute to a greener future.