Overview
In Fairfield, Vermont, installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and basic electricity costs, we can show you how much you can potentially save by switching to solar power. With sunny days throughout the year and a reliable amount of sunlight, Fairfield is a great location for utilizing solar energy. Let’s break down the costs of a solar system and estimate how quickly you can start seeing a return on your investment.
Fairfield Vermont Weather Trends
Fairfield Precipitation
With 64.86 inches of precipitation in the last year, Fairfield Vermont is in the 80th percentile in the nation, indicating a good amount of rainfall. Compared to the rest of Vermont, Fairfield falls in the 37th percentile. While Vermont’s average precipitation is 68.03 inches, the national average is 50.61 inches. By harnessing this precipitation, you can maximize the benefits of solar energy and potentially save even more on your electricity bills.
Fairfield’s UV Rating
Fairfield Vermont had an average UV rating of 3.1 in the last year, placing it in the 5th percentile in the nation for UV exposure. In comparison to the rest of Vermont, Fairfield ranks in the 60th percentile. With an average max UV rating of 3.29, Fairfield is in the 13th percentile nationally and the 55th percentile in Vermont. While Vermont’s average UV rating is 3.06, the national average stands at 4.29. These UV ratings make Fairfield an optimal location for solar energy production.
Fairfield’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 61% in the last year, placing Fairfield in the 97th percentile in the nation, solar energy production can still thrive. In comparison to the rest of Vermont, Fairfield ranks in the 50th percentile for cloud cover. Vermont’s average cloud cover is 61.06%, slightly higher than Fairfield’s. With varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year, Fairfield offers ample opportunities for solar energy generation.
Fairfield Vermont Electricity Costs
At $0.2/kw for electricity, Fairfield Vermont residents are in the 98th percentile in the nation in terms of electricity costs. Comparatively, Fairfield falls in the 44th percentile in the state of Vermont. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, Vermont’s average matches Fairfield’s. By investing in solar panels, Fairfield residents can offset these high electricity costs and potentially see significant savings on their utility bills over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Fairfield Vermont?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fairfield 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:
- Fairfield Vermont receives more precipitation than the national average, but still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Fairfield Vermont are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Fairfield Vermont is higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Fairfield 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 need to buy from the grid.
- Considering Fairfield Vermont’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.
After calculating the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the upfront cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the initial investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25 to 30 years, the savings accrued over time will be substantial. Investing in solar power not only helps save money but also contributes to a cleaner environment for years to come.
Investing in solar power in Fairfield Vermont
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fairfield Vermont, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings in the long run. With ample sunshine, despite higher precipitation and cloud cover, Fairfield is an optimal location for solar energy production. Residents in Fairfield pay more for electricity compared to the national average, making solar power an attractive alternative. Based on our analysis, it would take approximately 5 years to break even on the upfront cost of a standard solar system, with savings continuing to grow over its 25 to 30-year lifespan. By making the switch to solar energy, not only can residents save money on their utility bills, but they can also contribute to a cleaner environment for future generations.