Overview
In Tower, Minnesota, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant cost savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs in the area, we will show you how a solar system can help you break even and start saving money on your energy bills. With plentiful sunshine and optimal conditions for solar energy production, making the switch to solar power is a wise financial decision for residents of Tower.
Tower Minnesota Weather Trends
Tower Precipitation
With Tower Minnesota receiving 37.92 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area does not get as much rain compared to the national average of 50.61 inches. While Tower falls below the national average, it is important to note that it still sees more precipitation than the state average of 37.31 inches. This means that Tower residents can benefit from solar panels despite receiving less rain than other parts of the country.
Tower’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 2.99, Tower Minnesota residents can expect plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Although the UV rating in Tower is lower than both the national average of 4.29 and state average of 3.6, the area still receives a sufficient amount of sunlight to make solar energy a viable option. In addition, the average max UV rating of 3.17 in Tower further indicates that residents can take advantage of solar power.
Tower’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 59%, Tower Minnesota residents can still benefit from solar panels. While Tower experiences more cloud cover than the national average of 44.46% and the state average of 48.96%, the area still sees a significant number of days with varying degrees of cloud cover. This means that residents can generate ample solar energy even on days with cloudier skies.
Tower Minnesota Electricity Costs
With Tower residents paying about $0.15/kw for electricity, it is evident that the area has higher electricity costs compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. Despite the higher costs in Tower, transitioning to solar power can help residents save money on their energy bills in the long run. By harnessing the abundant sunlight in the area, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional grid electricity and lower their overall energy expenses.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Tower Minnesota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Tower 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:
- Tower Minnesota receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Tower Minnesota are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Tower Minnesota is higher than the national average, with a significant number of days having between 75% and 100% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Tower Minnesota pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.15/kw.
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 and saving money.
- With Tower Minnesota’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are even more significant.
After calculating the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6-7 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Since solar panels last for 25-30 years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many more years. Installing solar panels is a wise financial decision that not only saves money but also contributes to a greener environment!
Investing in solar power in Tower Minnesota
Installing solar panels in Tower, Minnesota is a smart financial decision that can lead to significant cost savings over time. With the area receiving less precipitation than the national average but still providing enough sunlight for solar energy production, residents can expect to break even on their investment in approximately 6-7 years. Despite higher electricity costs in Tower, transitioning to solar power can help reduce reliance on the traditional grid and lower overall energy expenses. By harnessing the abundant sunshine in Tower, residents can enjoy long-term savings on their energy bills while also contributing to a greener environment.