Overview
In East Hardwick, Vermont, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to East Hardwick, we can show you how a solar system can pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time. With the average amount of sunshine in the area, the cost of electricity, and the incentives available, investing in solar panels is a smart decision that can benefit both your wallet and the environment.
East Hardwick Vermont Weather Trends
East Hardwick Precipitation
In the last year, East Hardwick Vermont received 63.21 inches of precipitation, which is higher than the national average of 50.61 inches but lower than Vermont’s average of 68.03 inches. With precipitation levels in the 77th percentile nationally and the 24th percentile in Vermont, East Hardwick’s climate provides a good amount of rainfall to support solar panel operation.
East Hardwick’s UV Rating
East Hardwick Vermont had an average UV rating of 2.86 in the last year. This puts East Hardwick in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 12th percentile in Vermont. While the UV rating is lower compared to the national and state averages, there is still sufficient sunlight to generate solar power effectively. With an average max UV rating of 3.04, East Hardwick’s solar potential is evident, despite being slightly below the national and state averages.
East Hardwick’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, East Hardwick Vermont had an average of 66% cloud cover, which is higher than both the national average of 44.46% and Vermont’s average of 61.06%. Despite the higher cloud cover compared to other areas, East Hardwick still experiences a significant amount of clear days suitable for solar energy production. With a mix of different cloud cover percentages throughout the year, there is ample opportunity for solar panels to harness sunlight.
East Hardwick Vermont Electricity Costs
East Hardwick Vermont residents pay about $0.23/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw and Vermont’s average of $0.2/kw. Despite the higher electricity costs, installing solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings on energy bills. By harnessing the abundant sunlight available in East Hardwick, residents can offset high electricity rates and take control of their energy expenses.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in East Hardwick Vermont?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in East Hardwick Vermont, 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:
- East Hardwick Vermont gets more rain than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in East Hardwick Vermont are below the national average, but they are still decent for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in East Hardwick Vermont is higher than the national average, with a significant number of days having 75-100% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in East Hardwick Vermont 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 solar system will generate electricity, reducing reliance on the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- Given the higher electricity costs in East Hardwick Vermont, the savings will be significant.
After evaluating the data, it appears that it would take approximately 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7-8 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to outweigh the investment cost. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, you will continue to benefit from reduced electricity expenses for many years to come. Investing in solar power is a wise financial decision that also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in East Hardwick Vermont
Investing in solar panels in East Hardwick, Vermont is a smart choice for both your finances and the environment. With favorable weather conditions and higher electricity costs in the area, installing a solar system can lead to significant long-term savings. By analyzing the weather data specific to East Hardwick and considering the electricity costs, we have determined that the initial investment in solar panels can be recouped in approximately 7-8 years. This means that after this time, the savings on electricity bills will outweigh the cost of installation. With the lifespan of solar panels extending up to 30 years, residents of East Hardwick can continue to benefit financially and environmentally from harnessing solar energy.