Overview
In Burnham, Maine, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can show you how a solar system can help you break even on your investment sooner than you might think. Our article will break down the costs of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to start seeing returns on your investment, highlighting the financial benefits of going solar in Burnham.
Burnham Maine Weather Trends
Burnham Precipitation
With Burnham Maine receiving 70.7 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s important to note that this puts Burnham in the 89th percentile in the nation and the 25th percentile in Maine. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Maine’s average of 73.85 inches, Burnham falls on the higher end for precipitation levels. By harnessing the power of solar energy, you can offset the additional energy costs associated with the increased indoor energy use during rainy weather.
Burnham’s UV Rating
In the last year, Burnham Maine had an average UV rating of 3.18, placing it in the 6th percentile in the nation and the 42nd percentile in Maine. Although Burnham may receive less sun exposure than some other regions, the potential for solar energy production is still significant. By tapping into solar power, you can reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources, while also taking advantage of the available sunlight to generate electricity for your home.
Burnham’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 57% cloud cover in Burnham Maine, the town ranks in the 92nd percentile in the nation and the 71st percentile in Maine. Despite the higher cloud cover compared to national and state averages, solar panels can still be a beneficial investment. By capturing sunlight on clear days and reducing energy consumption from the grid, you can lower your utility bills and make a positive impact on the environment, even on cloudy days.
Burnham Maine Electricity Costs
Residents of Burnham Maine pay about $0.16/kw for electricity, placing the town in the 95th percentile in the nation and the 50th percentile in Maine. While the residential electricity cost in Burnham is on par with the state average, it’s slightly higher than the national average. By installing solar panels, you can generate your own electricity, reducing your reliance on the grid and potentially lowering your overall energy costs in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Burnham Maine?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Burnham 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:
- Burnham Maine receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Burnham Maine are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Burnham Maine is above average, with varying degrees of coverage throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Burnham 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 needed from the grid.
- With Burnham Maine’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are even greater.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar energy is a wise choice for saving money and contributing to environmental conservation.
Investing in solar power in Burnham Maine
Installing solar panels in Burnham, Maine can result in substantial financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we have shown how a solar system can help you break even on your investment sooner than expected. With Burnham’s high precipitation, moderate UV ratings, and above-average cloud cover, solar panels can still be a valuable investment. The slightly higher electricity costs in Burnham also make solar energy a cost-effective option. Based on our analysis, it would take approximately 6 years to recoup the initial cost of a solar installation in Burnham. This means that after 6 years, the savings on electricity bills will start accumulating and pay off the investment, providing long-term financial benefits while also contributing to environmental conservation.