Overview
Would you like to save money on your electricity bill while also helping the environment? In this article, we will explore how installing solar panels on your home in Grafton, Vermont can be a financially savvy decision. By analyzing local weather data and electricity costs, we will show you how a solar system can pay for itself over time, allowing you to enjoy long-term savings on your energy expenses.
Grafton Vermont Weather Trends
Grafton Precipitation
With Grafton receiving 70.56 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is in the 89th percentile in the nation and the 67th percentile in Vermont. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Grafton sees more rain. While Vermont has a higher average of 68.03 inches, Grafton still stands out in terms of precipitation.
Grafton’s UV Rating
Grafton’s average UV rating of 3.27 places it in the 10th percentile in the nation and the 93rd percentile in Vermont, showing that the area receives less sunlight than other parts of the country. While the national average is 4.29, Vermont’s average is 3.06. Grafton’s average max UV rating of 3.51 also falls below the national and state averages, making it an ideal candidate for harnessing solar energy.
Grafton’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 55% cloud cover, Grafton ranks in the 88th percentile in the nation and the 4th percentile in Vermont. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Vermont averages higher at 61.06%. Despite having a significant number of cloudy days, Grafton still has plenty of sunlight to produce solar energy.
Grafton Vermont Electricity Costs
Grafton residents pay about $0.2/kw for electricity, placing them in the 98th percentile in the nation and the 56th percentile in Vermont. While the national average is $0.13/kw, Vermont’s average matches Grafton’s at $0.2/kw. By installing solar panels, residents can take advantage of these high electricity costs to save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Grafton Vermont?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Grafton 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:
- Grafton Vermont receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Grafton Vermont are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Grafton Vermont is slightly higher than the national average, which may impact solar panel efficiency.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Grafton 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, especially given Grafton Vermont’s higher electricity rates.
After analyzing the numbers, it seems like it would take around 4 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial break-even point. Choosing solar power is a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment in the long run!
Investing in solar power in Grafton Vermont
Installing solar panels in Grafton, Vermont can be a smart financial choice for residents. By taking advantage of the ample sunshine despite higher precipitation and cloud cover, homeowners can save money on their electricity bills, which are already higher than the national average. With a payback period of 4 to 6 years, the long-term savings from solar power make it a wise investment for the future. Not only will homeowners benefit financially, but choosing solar energy also contributes to a cleaner environment for generations to come.