Overview
This article will show you how installing solar panels on your home in Watford City, North Dakota can save you money in the long run. By analyzing weather data, electricity costs, and the cost of a solar system, we will demonstrate how quickly you can break even on your investment and start enjoying significant savings on your energy bills.
Watford City North Dakota Weather Trends
Watford City Precipitation
With only 26.2 inches of precipitation in the last year, Watford City is in the 9th percentile nationally and the 8th percentile in North Dakota. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while North Dakota averages 30.8 inches. By receiving less precipitation, there is less obstruction for your solar panels to capture sunlight.
Watford City’s UV Rating
Watford City’s average UV rating of 3.58 places it in the 22nd percentile nationwide and the 84th percentile in North Dakota. In comparison, the national average UV rating is 4.29, and North Dakota averages 3.46. This means your solar panels will receive ample sunlight to generate energy efficiently, leading to greater savings on your electricity bills.
Watford City’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, Watford City is in the 44th percentile nationally and the 11th percentile in North Dakota. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, with North Dakota averaging 46.71%. The lower cloud cover in Watford City provides more clear days for your solar panels to maximize energy production.
Watford City North Dakota Electricity Costs
Residents of Watford City only pay about $0.08/kw for electricity, placing them in the 1st percentile both nationally and in North Dakota. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, with North Dakota averaging $0.1/kw. With such low electricity costs, investing in solar panels will not only save you money in the long run but also contribute to a cleaner environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Watford City North Dakota?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Watford City, North 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:
- Watford City receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Watford City are slightly lower than the national average but still conducive for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Watford City is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Watford City pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact the savings from 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 bought from the grid and leading to savings on electricity bills.
- Given the lower electricity rates in Watford City, the savings may be slightly lower compared to the national average.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-10 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, so you’ll enjoy those savings for many years beyond breaking even. Investing in solar panels in Watford City can be a smart financial move in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Watford City North Dakota
Installing solar panels in Watford City, North Dakota can prove to be a wise financial decision in the long run. With the combination of favorable weather conditions and low electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their investment in approximately 8-10 years. After this initial period, significant savings on electricity bills can be enjoyed for the remaining lifespan of the solar panels, which is typically 25-30 years. By harnessing solar energy, residents not only save money but also contribute to a cleaner environment. Investing in solar panels in Watford City can lead to substantial benefits and a brighter future.