Overview
Are you looking to save money on your electricity bills and make a positive impact on the environment? In Ashland, New Hampshire, installing solar panels on your home can be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Ashland, it is clear that solar energy can provide significant savings over time. In this article, we will break down the costs of a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even, showing you the financial benefits of going solar in Ashland.
Ashland New Hampshire Weather Trends
Ashland Precipitation
With Ashland, New Hampshire receiving 71.33 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area sees a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the rest of the country, Ashland ranks in the 90th percentile for total precipitation, while in New Hampshire, it falls in the 39th percentile. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, showing that Ashland experiences higher levels of rain compared to the average across the United States.
Ashland’s UV Rating
Over the past year, Ashland, New Hampshire has had an average UV rating of 3.25. This places Ashland in the 9th percentile nationally and the 46th percentile in New Hampshire for UV exposure. In comparison, the national average UV rating stands at 4.29, demonstrating that Ashland receives lower levels of UV radiation than the rest of the country. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 3.46, Ashland ranks lower than both the national and state averages.
Ashland’s Cloud Cover
Ashland, New Hampshire experiences an average of 54% cloud cover, indicating that the sky is often partially obstructed by clouds. This puts Ashland in the 87th percentile in the nation and the 53rd percentile in New Hampshire for cloud cover. While the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, New Hampshire’s average is slightly higher at 55.38%. With a variety of different cloud cover conditions throughout the year, Ashland residents can expect fluctuating levels of sunlight exposure.
Ashland New Hampshire Electricity Costs
Residents of Ashland, New Hampshire pay about $0.19 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 97th percentile nationally and the 88th percentile within the state. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity costs is $0.13 per kilowatt-hour. While New Hampshire’s average aligns closely with Ashland’s at $0.19 per kilowatt-hour, the potential for significant savings through solar energy becomes evident given the higher-than-average electricity rates in the area.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Ashland New Hampshire?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Ashland, New Hampshire, 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:
- Ashland gets more precipitation than the national average, which can impact solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Ashland are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Ashland is higher than the national average, which can affect sunlight exposure.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Ashland 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 need to buy from the grid.
- With higher electricity rates in Ashland, the savings from solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 7-9 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7-9 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. And since solar panels last for decades, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many years. It’s a wise investment that not only saves money but also helps the environment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Ashland New Hampshire
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Ashland, New Hampshire, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial benefits. With higher-than-average electricity rates and favorable UV ratings for generating solar power, residents can expect to break even on their investment in about 7-9 years. This means that the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the initial cost of the solar panels, providing long-term savings and a positive impact on the environment. Installing solar panels in Ashland is a smart financial decision that can lead to both financial savings and a greener future.