Overview
In Bethlehem, New Hampshire, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can estimate how long it will take for a solar system to pay for itself. With an average of 213 sunny days per year, residents can take advantage of the solar energy potential in the region. Let’s break down the cost of a solar system and explore how it can help you save money in the long run.
Bethlehem New Hampshire Weather Trends
Bethlehem Precipitation
With 65.08 inches of precipitation in the last year, Bethlehem, New Hampshire is above the national average of 50.61 inches. However, it falls below the state average of 73.01 inches. By harnessing solar energy, residents can offset the impact of heavy rainfall and reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources. This can lead to long-term cost savings and environmental benefits.
Bethlehem’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 2.97, Bethlehem, New Hampshire has room for improvement compared to the national average of 4.29 and the state average of 3.25. By installing solar panels, residents can capture more sunlight and convert it into energy, even on days with lower UV ratings. This can result in increased energy efficiency and reduced electricity bills over time.
Bethlehem’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 64% cloud cover, Bethlehem, New Hampshire experiences more clouds than the national average of 44.46% and the state average of 55.38%. Despite this, solar panels can still generate electricity on cloudy days, albeit at a slightly reduced efficiency. By taking advantage of the 213 sunny days per year, residents can still benefit from solar power and decrease their carbon footprint.
Bethlehem New Hampshire Electricity Costs
At $0.19/kw for electricity, Bethlehem, New Hampshire is slightly above the national average of $0.13/kw. However, it aligns with the state average of $0.19/kw. By investing in solar panels, residents can take control of their energy costs and reduce their reliance on the grid. Over time, this can lead to significant savings on electricity bills and a more sustainable lifestyle.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bethlehem New Hampshire?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bethlehem, 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:
- Bethlehem gets more precipitation than the national average, but it still has good sunlight for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Bethlehem are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Bethlehem is higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Bethlehem 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.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to pay off the investment. Given that solar panels can last for 25-30 years, this investment promises long-term savings and benefits. It’s a wise choice for both your wallet and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Bethlehem New Hampshire
After analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to Bethlehem, New Hampshire, it is clear that installing solar panels can lead to significant long-term financial benefits for residents. Despite higher levels of precipitation and cloud cover in the area, the 213 sunny days per year provide great potential for generating solar energy. With electricity costs slightly above the national average, investing in solar panels can help residents take control of their energy expenses and reduce their carbon footprint. Considering the initial cost of a solar system and the annual savings generated, it is estimated that most residents could break even on their investment within 8 years. This demonstrates that going solar is not only a smart financial choice but also a sustainable one for both individual households and the environment.