Overview
Are you a Watertown South Dakota resident looking to save money on your electricity bill? Installing solar panels on your home could be the perfect solution for you. By analyzing local weather data and electricity costs, we have determined that a solar system could help you break even in a reasonable amount of time. Let us break down the costs and show you how solar energy can benefit your wallet in the long run.
Watertown South Dakota Weather Trends
Watertown Precipitation
With 33.07 inches of precipitation in the last year, Watertown South Dakota ranks in the 15th percentile nationally and the 35th percentile in South Dakota. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Watertown receives less precipitation on average. This means that residents can rely more on solar energy without worrying too much about cloudy days affecting their electricity production.
Watertown’s UV Rating
In the last year, Watertown South Dakota had an average UV rating of 3.66, ranking it in the 27th percentile nationally and the 16th percentile in South Dakota. While this may be lower than the national average of 4.29, it is still sufficient for effective solar panel operation. With an average max UV rating of 3.86, Watertown residents can expect good solar energy generation throughout the year.
Watertown’s Cloud Cover
Watertown South Dakota had an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, positioning it in the 45th percentile nationally and the 74th percentile in South Dakota. While there are days with varying degrees of cloud cover, the overall average is relatively low. With mostly clear skies on 123 days and some cloud cover on 177 days, installing solar panels in Watertown remains a viable option for reliable energy production.
Watertown South Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents in Watertown pay about $0.09/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 4th percentile nationally and the 7th percentile in South Dakota. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity stands at $0.13/kw, making Watertown’s electricity rates more affordable. By investing in solar panels, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and save money on their utility bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Watertown South Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Watertown 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:
- Watertown South Dakota receives less rainfall than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Watertown South Dakota are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Watertown South Dakota is slightly lower than the national average, providing good conditions for solar power generation.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Watertown South Dakota pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making it a cost-effective location for using 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:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid and resulting in savings on electricity bills.
- With the lower electricity rates in Watertown South Dakota, the savings are considerable.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Watertown South Dakota. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the initial investment cost. Since solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is a smart financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Watertown South Dakota
Installing solar panels in Watertown South Dakota can be a cost-effective and beneficial decision for residents. With lower than average rainfall, suitable UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, solar energy production in Watertown is reliable. Additionally, the affordable electricity rates in the city make solar power an economical option for reducing utility bills. By investing in a standard 10kW solar system, residents can expect to break even in about 6 years and continue enjoying savings for decades to come. Choosing solar power is not only a wise financial choice but also a step towards a greener future.