Overview
Are you a Strafford, New Hampshire resident looking to save money on your electricity bill while helping the environment? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision for you. In this article, we break down the costs of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. By looking at weather data specific to Strafford, such as average precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, we will show you how much money you could potentially save by going solar. So, let’s dive into the numbers and see how solar power can benefit you and your wallet in the long run.
Strafford New Hampshire Weather Trends
Strafford Precipitation
Living in Strafford, New Hampshire means experiencing a higher amount of precipitation compared to both the national and state averages. With 81.75 inches of precipitation in the last year, Strafford falls in the 97th percentile nationwide and the 90th percentile within New Hampshire. This abundance of rainfall can benefit your solar panels by keeping them clean and maximizing their efficiency over time.
Strafford’s UV Rating
When it comes to UV ratings, Strafford, New Hampshire sits at an average of 3.36, ranking it in the 13th percentile across the country and the 67th percentile within the state. Though the UV rating may not be as high as other areas, it is still sufficient for generating solar energy. Harnessing the power of sunlight can help you save money on your electricity bill while reducing your carbon footprint.
Strafford’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 53% cloud cover in the last year, Strafford ranks in the 84th percentile nationally and the 37th percentile at the state level. While some cloud cover is inevitable, Strafford still offers plenty of clear days for your solar panels to generate energy efficiently. By taking advantage of the days with less cloud cover, you can further increase your savings and environmental impact.
Strafford New Hampshire Electricity Costs
Residents of Strafford, New Hampshire pay around $0.19/kw for electricity, placing them in the 97th percentile nationwide and the 63rd percentile within the state. While electricity costs in New Hampshire are higher than the national average of $0.13/kw, investing in solar panels can help offset these expenses in the long run. By generating your own electricity, you can reduce your reliance on the grid and enjoy significant savings over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Strafford New Hampshire?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Strafford New Hampshire, 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:
- Strafford New Hampshire receives more precipitation than the national average, but still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Strafford New Hampshire are slightly lower than the national average, but are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Strafford New Hampshire is slightly higher than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Strafford New Hampshire pay a higher rate 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase as much from the grid.
- Given Strafford New Hampshire’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are even greater.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the initial 8-year period. Investing in solar panels is a wise decision that not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Strafford New Hampshire
Investing in solar panels in Strafford, New Hampshire can be a financially beneficial decision, especially given the higher electricity costs in the area. By analyzing the weather trends specific to Strafford and the electricity rates, we have determined that it would take approximately 8 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system. After this period, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate over the 25 to 30-year lifespan of the panels. By making the switch to solar power, not only can residents save money in the long run, but they can also help reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.