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Solar and Electricity Data for Sumatra, MT: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Sumatra, MT at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
6.1/10 8.3/10 9.1/10 4.3/10 8.6/10
Pretty Good 37% daily 2 inches monthly 4 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

In Sumatra, Montana, installing solar panels on your home can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can show you how much you can potentially save by harnessing the power of the sun. With a breakdown of the costs involved and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you’ll see just how financially beneficial investing in solar panels can be for you and your home in Sumatra, Montana.

Sumatra Montana Weather Trends

Sumatra Precipitation

In the last year, Sumatra, Montana received 26.04 inches of precipitation. Compared to the rest of the country, Sumatra falls in the 9th percentile, while in Montana, it’s in the 49th percentile. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and the Montana average is 28.52 inches. With a lower amount of rain, installing solar panels in Sumatra can be more efficient and reliable.

Sumatra’s UV Rating

Sumatra, Montana had an average UV rating of 3.96 in the last year. This UV rating places Sumatra in the 43rd percentile nationally and in the 98th percentile in Montana. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, while Montana’s average is 3.4. Additionally, Sumatra had an average max UV rating of 4.23, showing a good potential for harnessing solar energy efficiently, especially when compared to the rest of the state and the country.

Sumatra’s Cloud Cover

Over the course of the last year, Sumatra, Montana had an average of 37% cloud cover. This puts Sumatra in the 17th percentile nationally and the 11th percentile in Montana. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Montana’s average is 41.59%. With a lower percentage of cloud cover, Sumatra experiences more sunny days, making it an ideal location for solar energy production.

Sumatra Montana Electricity Costs

Residents in Sumatra, Montana pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, positioning the town in the 86th percentile nationally and the 94th percentile in Montana. On a national level, the average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Montana’s average is $0.12/kw. With slightly higher electricity costs in Sumatra, investing in solar panels can offer substantial savings in the long run, making it a wise financial decision for homeowners.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Sumatra Montana?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Sumatra Montana, 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:

  • Sumatra Montana receives less precipitation than the national average, providing a good environment for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Sumatra Montana are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Sumatra Montana is lower than the national average, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Sumatra Montana pay slightly more 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 need to purchase from the grid.
  • With slightly higher electricity rates in Sumatra Montana, the savings are slightly higher.

After running the numbers, it appears it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. With solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, there will be plenty of time to enjoy the savings and benefits of using solar energy. It’s a wise choice for saving money and contributing to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Sumatra Montana

With the analysis of weather data and electricity costs in Sumatra, Montana, it is evident that investing in solar panels for your home can be a financially beneficial decision. The combination of lower precipitation, favorable UV ratings, and decreased cloud cover make Sumatra an ideal location for harnessing solar energy efficiently. Additionally, with slightly higher electricity costs in the town, the savings from using solar power can help homeowners break even on their investment in approximately 5-6 years. This means that the long-term benefits of using solar energy not only save money but also contribute to a cleaner environment. Consider installing solar panels on your home in Sumatra, Montana, to enjoy the financial savings and environmental advantages it can offer!