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Solar and Electricity Data for Calais, VT: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Calais, VT at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.4/10 0.1/10 1.9/10 0.1/10 9.9/10
OK 65% daily 5 inches monthly 2.7 on average 0.22/kw

Overview

Discover how you can save money on your electricity bills by installing solar panels on your home in Calais, Vermont. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs in the area, we can show you the financial benefits of switching to solar energy. Learn how much a solar system would cost, estimate the time it would take to break even, and start saving on your energy expenses today.

Calais Vermont Weather Trends

Calais Precipitation

With 65.5 inches of precipitation in the last year, Calais Vermont is in the 81st percentile nationally and the 41st percentile in Vermont. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Vermont typically sees around 68.03 inches. Having more rainfall than most of the country can help solar panels operate more efficiently by keeping them clean and clear.

Calais’s UV Rating

Calais Vermont’s average UV rating of 2.73 is quite low, ranking in the 1st percentile nationally and in Vermont. In contrast, the U.S. typically has an average UV rating of 4.29, and Vermont averages at 3.06. With a higher UV rating, solar panels can generate more electricity, making your investment in solar power more worthwhile over time.

Calais’s Cloud Cover

Calais Vermont experienced an average of 65% cloud cover last year, placing it in the 99th percentile nationally and the 83rd percentile in Vermont. Comparatively, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Vermont usually has around 61.06% cloud cover. Despite the high cloud cover, solar panels can still produce electricity, ensuring you save on energy costs throughout the year.

Calais Vermont Electricity Costs

With residents paying about $0.22/kw for electricity, Calais is in the 99th percentile nationally and the 89th percentile in Vermont. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Vermont typically pays around $0.2/kw. By switching to solar power, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills and take advantage of the abundant sunlight in Calais to generate clean and affordable energy for your home.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Calais Vermont?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Calais 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:

  • Calais Vermont gets more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Calais Vermont are lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Calais Vermont is higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Calais 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 you need to buy from the grid.
  • With Calais Vermont’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are even more significant.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after that period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years. Investing in solar power is a smart way to save money and contribute to environmental conservation!

Investing in solar power in Calais Vermont

Switching to solar energy in Calais, Vermont can be a smart financial move. By analyzing the weather patterns and electricity costs in the area, it is clear that solar panels would be a worthwhile investment. Despite the high precipitation and cloud cover, solar panels can still effectively generate electricity, especially with the higher electricity rates in Calais. With an estimated break-even period of 7-8 years, investing in solar power can lead to significant long-term savings on your electricity bills. Embracing solar energy not only benefits your wallet but also contributes to environmental conservation, making it a win-win situation for your home in Calais, Vermont.