Overview
Consider the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Burlington, Massachusetts. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can demonstrate how much money you can save over time. With information on average precipitation, UV rating, cloud cover, and electricity costs, you can see how quickly a solar system can pay for itself. This article will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate the time it will take for you to break even, making the case for why going solar is a smart financial decision for Burlington residents.
Burlington Massachusetts Weather Trends
Burlington Precipitation
With Burlington receiving 62.21 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 75th percentile nationally and the 12th percentile within Massachusetts. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Massachusetts’s average of 68.09 inches, Burlington’s precipitation levels make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
Burlington’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 3.63, Burlington falls in the 25th percentile nationally and the 57th percentile within Massachusetts. While the national average UV rating is 4.29 and Massachusetts’s average is 3.69, Burlington’s UV rating is sufficient for effective solar energy production. Furthermore, with an average max UV rating of 3.86, Burlington proves to have optimal conditions for solar panel efficiency.
Burlington’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 52% cloud cover, Burlington ranks in the 79th percentile nationally and the 74th percentile within Massachusetts. While the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% and Massachusetts’s average is 50.86%, Burlington’s cloud cover levels indicate a favorable environment for solar energy generation. Additionally, the distribution of cloud cover throughout the year allows for consistent solar panel performance.
Burlington Massachusetts Electricity Costs
Residents of Burlington pay around $0.23/kw for electricity, positioning the town in the 99th percentile nationwide and the 93rd percentile within Massachusetts. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Massachusetts’s average is $0.22/kw. With higher electricity costs in Burlington, transitioning to solar power can lead to significant long-term savings and decreased reliance on traditional energy sources.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Burlington Massachusetts?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Burlington, 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:
- Burlington gets more rain compared to the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Burlington are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Burlington is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Burlington 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 to be purchased from the grid.
- Given Burlington’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.
After doing the calculations, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. After this, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, these savings will continue for many years after the initial period. Investing in solar panels is a wise way to save money and contribute to a sustainable environment!
Investing in solar power in Burlington Massachusetts
Installing solar panels in Burlington, Massachusetts is a smart financial decision that can lead to long-term savings on electricity bills. By taking into account the weather trends in Burlington, such as precipitation levels, UV ratings, and cloud cover, as well as the higher-than-average electricity costs, it is clear that transitioning to solar power can result in significant financial benefits. With an estimated payback period of around 7 years for a standard solar system, the savings accumulated over time make solar panels a worthwhile investment. Not only will you be saving money, but you will also be contributing to a more sustainable environment in the long run.