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

East Dorset, VT at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.1/10 0.3/10 0.2/10 0.2/10 9.8/10
OK 61% daily 7 inches monthly 2.9 on average 0.2/kw

Overview

Living in East Dorset Vermont may come with unique challenges, but harnessing the power of the sun to produce energy for your home can provide significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, it becomes clear that installing solar panels can lead to substantial savings over time. This article will break down the costs of a solar system, estimate the time it will take to break even, and show you why going solar is a smart financial choice for East Dorset residents.

East Dorset Vermont Weather Trends

East Dorset Precipitation

With East Dorset Vermont receiving 82.34 inches of precipitation over the last year, it is clear that the area experiences more rain than most of the nation and Vermont. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Vermont’s average of 68.03 inches, East Dorset’s higher precipitation levels make it an ideal location for harnessing the power of the sun to produce energy.

East Dorset’s UV Rating

Having an average UV rating of 2.94 in the last year, East Dorset Vermont may have lower UV levels compared to the rest of the nation and Vermont. However, with the national average at 4.29 and Vermont’s average at 3.06, there is still plenty of sunlight to make solar panels a worthwhile investment in East Dorset. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 3.16 ensures sufficient sunlight for effective energy production.

East Dorset’s Cloud Cover

East Dorset Vermont has an average cloud cover of 61%, ranking higher than the national and Vermont averages. Despite this, with 51 days of low cloud cover and 136 days of high cloud cover, there are plenty of opportunities for solar panels to generate energy throughout the year. The consistent cloud cover also helps regulate temperature, making solar energy systems more efficient.

East Dorset Vermont Electricity Costs

East Dorset residents are paying about $0.2/kw for electricity, placing them in the 98th percentile nationally and the 56th percentile in Vermont. While the cost may be higher than the national average of $0.13/kw, going solar can significantly reduce electricity costs over time, especially considering the ample sunlight and weather conditions in East Dorset that make solar panels a reliable investment.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in East Dorset 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:

  • East Dorset Vermont receives more precipitation than the national average, which can impact solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in East Dorset Vermont are lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in East Dorset Vermont is higher than the national average, which can affect the amount of sunlight reaching the solar panels.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in East Dorset Vermont pay more for electricity compared to the national average, which can make solar panels more cost-effective in the long run.

With this information, let’s break down the costs:

  • A standard solar system of 10kW costs $20,000, and it 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:

  • Solar panels generate electricity, reducing the amount purchased from the grid and resulting in savings on electricity bills.
  • Given the higher electricity rates in East Dorset Vermont, the savings from using solar power are even more significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in East Dorset Vermont. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. With solar panels having a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, the savings will continue for many years, making it a financially wise and environmentally friendly decision.

Investing in solar power in East Dorset Vermont

In conclusion, installing solar panels in East Dorset, Vermont can be a smart financial choice for residents due to the area’s higher than average precipitation, suitable UV ratings, and sufficient sunlight despite cloud cover. With electricity costs higher than the national average, investing in solar energy can lead to substantial savings over time. By breaking down the costs of a solar system and estimating the time it would take to break even, it becomes clear that going solar in East Dorset is not only a wise financial decision but also an environmentally friendly one that can benefit homeowners for many years to come.