Overview
If you live in Rumford, Maine, you may be wondering if installing solar panels on your home is a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can show you the potential savings and break down the costs of a solar system. With this information, you can make an informed decision about whether investing in solar energy is right for you.
Rumford Maine Weather Trends
Rumford Precipitation
With 82.13 inches of precipitation in the last year, Rumford, Maine, stands in the 97th percentile nationally and the 90th percentile within Maine. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Maine’s average is 73.85 inches. This abundance of rainfall can benefit solar panel efficiency by keeping them clean and allowing for optimal energy production.
Rumford’s UV Rating
Rumford, Maine, had an average UV rating of 3.08, placing it in the 4th percentile nationally and the 22nd percentile in Maine. In comparison, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, and Maine’s average is 3.29. The average max UV rating of 3.28 in Rumford reflects its potential for solar energy production, making it an ideal location for harnessing the power of the sun.
Rumford’s Cloud Cover
Despite the 57% average cloud cover in Rumford, which is in the 93rd percentile nationally and the 77th percentile within Maine, the area still offers significant solar energy potential. With various cloud cover percentages throughout the year, including sunny days with 0-25% cloud cover, Rumford can benefit from solar panels even when the sky isn’t completely clear.
Rumford Maine Electricity Costs
At around $0.16/kw for electricity, Rumford, Maine, ranks in the 95th percentile nationally and the 50th percentile within the state. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Maine’s average stands at $0.16/kw. By investing in solar panels, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and save money in the long run while helping the environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Rumford Maine?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Rumford 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:
- Rumford Maine receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Rumford Maine are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still conducive to generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Rumford Maine is higher than the national average, with a varying amount of cloud cover throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Rumford Maine pay 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, reducing the amount purchased from the grid.
- With higher electricity rates in Rumford Maine, the savings are even more significant.
After calculating, it appears that it would take around 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 these savings for many more years. Investing in solar panels is a wise way to save money and contribute to a more sustainable environment!
Investing in solar power in Rumford Maine
Considering the weather data and electricity costs in Rumford, Maine, investing in solar panels can be a smart financial decision. With abundant rainfall to keep panels clean, high potential for solar energy production due to UV ratings and varying cloud cover, and higher-than-average electricity costs in the area, residents can expect to break even on a 10kW solar system in approximately 7 years. This initial investment will lead to long-term savings on electricity bills and a more sustainable lifestyle. By analyzing the specific conditions in Rumford, Maine, you can make an informed decision about whether solar energy is right for you.