Overview
Gorham Maine residents have the opportunity to save money on electricity bills by installing solar panels on their homes. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Gorham, we can see that solar panels can help homeowners break even on their investment in just a few years. With an average of 56 inches of precipitation, an average max UV rating of 6.4, an average UV rating of 4, and an average of 50% cloud cover, Gorham has optimal conditions for solar energy production. Let’s break down the costs and benefits to show you why investing in solar panels is a smart financial decision for Gorham residents.
Gorham Maine Weather Trends
Gorham Precipitation
Gorham Maine residents are no strangers to precipitation, with an annual average of 70.86 inches. While this puts Gorham in the 90th percentile nationally, it actually falls below the Maine state average of 73.85 inches. Despite the higher rainfall compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, this excess water can actually benefit homeowners with solar panels by keeping them clean and maximizing energy production.
Gorham’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.37, Gorham Maine is in the 13th percentile nationwide. Surprisingly, this puts Gorham ahead of the Maine state average of 3.29. When considering the average max UV rating of 3.53, Gorham ranks in the 19th percentile nationally. This may seem low, but it is actually ideal for solar panel longevity, as excessive UV exposure can degrade panels over time.
Gorham’s Cloud Cover
Gorham Maine experiences an average of 53% cloud cover, putting it in the 82nd percentile across the country but below the Maine average of 55.62%. The distribution of cloud cover throughout the year provides a good balance for solar energy production. With a mix of clear and partly cloudy days, homeowners can expect consistent energy generation from their solar panels.
Gorham Maine Electricity Costs
Residents of Gorham Maine pay about $0.16/kw for electricity, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally. Interestingly, this is on par with the state average of $0.16/kw. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw. By investing in solar panels, Gorham residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills and take control of their energy costs.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Gorham Maine?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Gorham Maine, 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:
- Gorham Maine receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but are still suitable for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Gorham Maine is higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Gorham Maine 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 Gorham Maine’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power will be significant.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar panels is a wise choice that not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Gorham Maine
Investing in solar panels in Gorham, Maine is a smart financial decision for residents due to the optimal weather conditions and electricity costs. With an average of 56 inches of precipitation, an average UV rating, and balanced cloud cover, solar panels can quickly pay for themselves in just a few years. By breaking down the costs and benefits, it is clear that solar energy is not only a money-saving investment but also a sustainable choice for homeowners in Gorham. Consider going solar to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.