Overview
If you live in Burlington, Vermont, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Burlington, we can estimate how much money you could save each year by going solar. With the average cost of a solar system in mind, we can determine how many years it will take before you break even and start reaping the benefits of clean, renewable energy.
Burlington Vermont Weather Trends
Burlington Precipitation
With Burlington receiving 53.16 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, compared to the rest of Vermont, Burlington is significantly drier, ranking in the 2nd percentile for total precipitation. By harnessing the power of solar energy, residents can take advantage of dry weather conditions to generate clean electricity for their homes.
Burlington’s UV Rating
Despite having an average UV rating of 3.13, which is lower than both the national and Vermont averages, Burlington residents can still benefit from sunlight to power their solar panels. With an average max UV rating of 3.3, Burlington experiences a decent amount of sunlight that can be captured for energy generation. By installing solar panels, residents can make the most of the available sunlight, contributing to both their financial savings and the environment.
Burlington’s Cloud Cover
While Burlington has an average of 61% cloud cover, which is higher than both the national and Vermont averages, residents still have plenty of sunny days to generate solar power. With 56 days of minimal cloud cover and 133 days with higher cloud cover, there are ample opportunities for solar energy production. By embracing solar technology, Burlington residents can maximize their energy savings even on cloudy days.
Burlington Vermont Electricity Costs
With residents paying about $0.18/kw for electricity, Burlington’s electricity costs are higher than the national average but lower than the Vermont average. By switching to solar power, homeowners can reduce their reliance on expensive grid electricity and take control of their energy expenses. Investing in solar panels now can lead to significant financial savings in the long run, making it a wise choice for Burlington residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Burlington Vermont?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Burlington Vermont, 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 Vermont gets slightly more rain than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Burlington Vermont are lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Burlington Vermont is higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Burlington Vermont 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.
- Due to the higher electricity rates in Burlington Vermont, the savings are significant.
After calculating the numbers, it appears that it would take around 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar panels is not only a smart financial decision but also a way to contribute positively to the environment.
Investing in solar power in Burlington Vermont
Investing in solar panels in Burlington, Vermont can lead to significant financial savings over time. By harnessing the power of sunlight, residents can reduce their reliance on expensive grid electricity and take control of their energy expenses. Analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Burlington, we can estimate that it would take around 7 years to break even on a standard solar system installation. After that, homeowners can enjoy continued savings on their electricity bills while also contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Making the switch to solar power is not only a wise financial choice but also a positive step towards a greener future.