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Solar and Electricity Data for Bradford, RI: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Bradford, RI at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.5/10 3.3/10 1.6/10 2.9/10 9.9/10
Not Bad 48% daily 6 inches monthly 3.7 on average 0.22/kw

Overview

If you live in Bradford Rhode Island, you may want to consider installing solar panels on your home. By taking advantage of the ample sunlight in the area, you could save a significant amount on your electricity bills each month. With the cost of solar systems decreasing and incentives available, the initial investment may not be as hefty as you think. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of going solar in Bradford Rhode Island, including estimated break-even times based on weather data and electricity costs.

Bradford Rhode Island Weather Trends

Bradford Precipitation

With 66.85 inches of precipitation in the last year, Bradford Rhode Island is in the 16th percentile in the state and the 84th percentile in the country. Compare this to Rhode Island’s average of 70.49 inches and the national average of 50.61 inches. By harnessing the power of the sun with solar panels, you can offset your electricity usage even on rainy days, making it a practical investment for your home.

Bradford’s UV Rating

Bradford Rhode Island’s average UV rating of 3.69 puts it in the 48th percentile in the state and the 29th percentile in the country. Compared to Rhode Island’s average of 3.7 and the national average of 4.29, Bradford’s UV rating is ideal for solar energy production. With an average max UV rating of 3.86, solar panels in Bradford can efficiently generate electricity throughout the year, saving you money on your utility bills.

Bradford’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 48% cloud cover, Bradford Rhode Island is in the 8th percentile in the state and the 67th percentile in the nation. Rhode Island’s average cloud cover is 49.35%, while the national average is 44.46%. With plenty of sunny days throughout the year, installing solar panels in Bradford is a smart choice to take advantage of the sunlight and reduce your carbon footprint.

Bradford Rhode Island Electricity Costs

Bradford residents pay about $0.22/kw for electricity, putting them in the 67th percentile in Rhode Island and the 99th percentile in the nation. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw. By switching to solar power, you can significantly lower your electricity costs and protect yourself from future utility rate hikes, making it a wise financial decision for your home.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bradford Rhode Island?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bradford Rhode Island, 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:

  • Bradford Rhode Island gets more rain than the national average, which might affect solar panel efficiency slightly.
  • Although the UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, they are still suitable for generating solar power.
  • The cloud cover in Bradford Rhode Island is slightly higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Bradford Rhode Island 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 amount needed from the grid.
  • With higher electricity rates in Bradford Rhode Island, the savings are higher.

After calculating, it seems like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. It’s a wise way to save money and contribute to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in Bradford Rhode Island

With the financial benefits of installing solar panels in Bradford Rhode Island, including lower electricity costs, shorter break-even times, and reduced carbon footprint, it is clear that going solar is a smart investment for homeowners in the area. By taking advantage of the ample sunlight, even on cloudy days, and the higher electricity rates, residents can begin to see returns on their initial investment within 7-8 years. Not only does this save money in the long run, but it also helps protect against future utility rate hikes and promotes sustainability. Consider making the switch to solar power to reap these benefits and contribute to a greener, more cost-effective future.