Solar By City

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

Bedford, MA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.4/10 2/10 2.5/10 2.7/10 9.9/10
Not Bad 52% daily 5 inches monthly 3.7 on average 0.23/kw

Overview

Are you a Bedford resident looking to save money on your electricity bill? Installing solar panels on your home can help you do just that! By analyzing weather data specific to Bedford, Massachusetts, we can show you how much you can save on electricity costs by switching to solar. With the average cost of a solar system in Bedford and estimated break-even time, you can see how quickly you can start reaping the financial benefits of going solar.

Bedford Massachusetts Weather Trends

Bedford Precipitation

With Bedford, Massachusetts receiving 62.49 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 75th percentile compared to the nation and the 13th percentile compared to the rest of Massachusetts. This means that Bedford has higher precipitation levels compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and lower compared to Massachusetts’s average of 68.09 inches.

Bedford’s UV Rating

Having an average UV rating of 3.66 places Bedford in the 27th percentile nationally and the 65th percentile within Massachusetts. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, while Massachusetts’s average is 3.69. Bedford’s average max UV rating of 3.93 puts it in the 30th percentile nationally and the 76th percentile in Massachusetts, with the national average being 4.61 and the Massachusetts average being 3.86.

Bedford’s Cloud Cover

Bedford, Massachusetts had an average of 52% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 80th percentile both nationally and within Massachusetts. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Massachusetts’s average is 50.86%. Bedford experienced 76 days with minimal cloud cover, 103 days with moderate cloud cover, 87 days with heavy cloud cover, and 98 days with complete cloud cover.

Bedford Massachusetts Electricity Costs

Residents of Bedford pay about $0.23/kw for electricity, putting them in the 99th percentile nationally and the 93rd percentile within Massachusetts. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Massachusetts’s average is $0.22/kw. Installing solar panels could significantly reduce electricity costs for Bedford residents in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bedford, 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:

  • Bedford gets slightly more rain than the national average, but it’s still sunny enough for solar panels to work effectively.
  • The UV ratings are lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Bedford 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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
  • With Bedford’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even greater.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 7 to 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 7 to 8 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment at the same time!

Investing in solar power in Bedford Massachusetts

Switching to solar panels in Bedford, Massachusetts can be a smart way to save money on electricity costs in the long run. By analyzing the weather trends specific to Bedford and the current electricity rates in the area, we have determined that residents can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in about 7 to 8 years. After this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate for many more years, making solar energy a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for Bedford residents.