Overview
In Harrison, Maine, investing in solar panels for your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs in the area, we can show you how much you can save by switching to solar energy. With a breakdown of the costs involved and an estimate of the time it takes to break even, this article will demonstrate why going solar is a smart decision for your wallet.
Harrison Maine Weather Trends
Harrison Precipitation
With Harrison, Maine receiving 78.21 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area is no stranger to rainy weather. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Harrison is in the 96th percentile, showcasing the substantial amount of rain the area sees. While the state of Maine averages 73.85 inches, Harrison still stands out at the 75th percentile in the state. Despite the higher-than-average precipitation levels, installing solar panels can still be a lucrative investment.
Harrison’s UV Rating
When it comes to UV ratings, Harrison, Maine had an average of 3.23 in the last year. This puts Harrison in the 8th percentile nationwide and the 60th percentile within Maine. While the national average UV rating is 4.29, and Maine’s average is 3.29, Harrison’s slightly lower ratings indicate less intense sunlight exposure. However, even with lower UV ratings, harnessing solar energy can still be highly beneficial for Harrison residents looking to save on their electricity bills.
Harrison’s Cloud Cover
On average, Harrison Maine experiences 54% cloud cover, placing it in the 86th percentile in the nation and the 23rd percentile in Maine. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and the state average of 55.62%, Harrison falls on the higher end of cloud cover percentages. Despite this, the variation in cloud cover throughout the year presents opportunities for solar panel efficiency, making it a viable option for Harrison residents looking to rely on renewable energy sources.
Harrison Maine Electricity Costs
Residential electricity costs in Harrison, Maine are around $0.16/kw, positioning Harrison in the 95th percentile nationally and the 50th percentile within Maine. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Maine’s average matches Harrison’s at $0.16/kw, Harrison residents have the potential to significantly reduce their electricity expenses by switching to solar power. By taking advantage of the region’s electricity costs and the available sunlight, installing solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harrison Maine?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harrison Maine, 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:
- Harrison Maine receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to function effectively.
- The UV ratings in Harrison Maine are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still adequate for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Harrison Maine is higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Harrison Maine 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, which means less needs to be purchased from the grid.
- Considering Harrison Maine’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even more significant.
After running the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to enjoy those savings for many years beyond the initial payoff period. Investing in solar power is a wise way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Harrison Maine
Investing in solar panels in Harrison, Maine is a smart financial decision. With higher-than-average precipitation levels, slightly lower UV ratings, and varying cloud cover throughout the year, solar panels can still effectively generate power and lead to substantial savings on electricity bills. Despite electricity costs being slightly higher in Harrison compared to national averages, the potential for long-term savings from solar energy is significant. By analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take approximately 7 years to break even on the initial cost of solar panel installation. After this period, the accumulated savings on electricity bills will continue to benefit homeowners, making solar power a lucrative investment with lasting financial rewards. Embracing solar energy not only saves money but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable future for Harrison residents.