Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Leicester, MA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Leicester, MA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.9/10 2.1/10 0.8/10 1.8/10 9.9/10
OK 52% daily 6 inches monthly 3.5 on average 0.24/kw

Overview

In Leicester, Massachusetts, investing in solar panels for your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data specific to Leicester and the basic cost of electricity in the area, we can estimate the cost of a solar system and calculate how long it will take to break even. With the right information, you can make an informed decision to save money in the long run by switching to solar energy.

Leicester Massachusetts Weather Trends

Leicester Precipitation

With Leicester, Massachusetts receiving 72.93 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area experiences a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Leicester is in the 92nd percentile in the country and the 80th percentile in Massachusetts for total precipitation. This means that installing solar panels in Leicester can take advantage of the abundant rainfall to generate clean and renewable energy.

Leicester’s UV Rating

Considering Leicester, Massachusetts’s average UV rating of 3.48 in the last year, it is evident that the area gets a moderate amount of sunlight. Ranked in the 18th percentile in the nation and the 17th percentile in Massachusetts for UV rating, Leicester still has plenty of sunshine to harness for solar energy. Even though Leicester may not receive as much sunlight as other areas, it still has enough to make installing solar panels a worthwhile investment.

Leicester’s Cloud Cover

Leicester, Massachusetts had an average cloud cover of 52% in the last year, indicating that there is a fair amount of cloudiness in the area. This puts Leicester in the 79th percentile in the nation and the 74th percentile in Massachusetts for cloud cover. Despite the occasional overcast days, Leicester still has sufficient sunlight throughout the year to produce energy from solar panels. With a good balance of sunny and cloudy days, Leicester remains a suitable location for solar panel installation.

Leicester Massachusetts Electricity Costs

Residents of Leicester, Massachusetts pay around $0.24/kw for electricity, which is higher than both the national average of $0.13/kw and the Massachusetts average of $0.22/kw. By installing solar panels, Leicester residents can reduce their reliance on expensive grid electricity and lower their utility bills significantly in the long run. The high cost of electricity in Leicester makes switching to solar energy a financially beneficial decision.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Leicester Massachusetts?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Leicester, Massachusetts, 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:

  • Leicester gets more rainfall than the national average, but it still receives enough sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Leicester are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Leicester is slightly higher than the national average, with some variability throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Leicester 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 generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
  • Given Leicester’s higher electricity rates, the savings would be more significant.

After calculating the numbers, it seems 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 the investment will pay off. Additionally, solar panels have a long lifespan, so beyond that initial period, you will continue to benefit from the cost savings for many years. It’s a wise financial decision that also contributes to environmental protection!

Investing in solar power in Leicester Massachusetts

Investing in solar panels for your home in Leicester, Massachusetts is a wise financial decision that can lead to significant savings in the long run. By taking advantage of the area’s weather trends and high electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their solar installation in approximately 7 years. After that, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, making the switch to solar energy a smart investment. With the right information, Leicester residents can make an informed decision to save money and contribute to environmental protection for years to come.