Overview
In Lewiston, Maine, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant long-term savings on your electricity bills. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, it is evident that the financial benefits of switching to solar power are substantial. This article will outline the costs associated with installing a solar system, estimate the time it will take to break even, and demonstrate how harnessing the power of the sun can positively impact your wallet.
Lewiston Maine Weather Trends
Lewiston Precipitation
With 68.73 inches of precipitation in the last year, Lewiston, Maine stands out in the nation at the 87th percentile, but falls slightly below the state average at the 16th percentile. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Maine sees an average of 73.85 inches. Embracing solar power in an area with ample rainfall like Lewiston can ensure that your system remains efficiently powered throughout the year.
Lewiston’s UV Rating
At an average UV rating of 3.32, Lewiston, Maine ranks lower than most of the country at the 11th percentile, but surpasses the state average at the 82nd percentile. When considering solar panel installation, it’s essential to note that the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, with Maine averaging 3.29. With an average max UV rating of 3.55, Lewiston offers sufficient sunlight to generate clean energy and save on electricity costs.
Lewiston’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 54%, Lewiston, Maine experiences more cloudiness compared to the national average of 44.46%, yet remains below the state average of 55.62%. Despite this, Lewiston had varying cloud cover throughout the year, with opportunities for increased solar energy generation on clearer days. By harnessing the power of the sun during sunnier periods, residents can maximize the benefits of solar panels.
Lewiston Maine Electricity Costs
Residents of Lewiston, Maine pay around $0.16 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 95th percentile nationwide and at the 50th percentile within Maine. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Maine’s average matches that of Lewiston. By switching to solar energy, homeowners in Lewiston can significantly reduce their electricity costs and take control of their energy expenses for the long term.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lewiston Maine?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lewiston, 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:
- Lewiston receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Lewiston are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Lewiston is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lewiston 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, which means less needs to be bought from the grid.
- With Lewiston’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even greater.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This suggests that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Furthermore, solar panels have a long lifespan, so after this initial period, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many years. Installing solar panels is a wise choice for saving money and helping the environment simultaneously!
Investing in solar power in Lewiston Maine
Installing solar panels in Lewiston, Maine is a smart financial decision that can lead to significant long-term savings on electricity bills. With ample rainfall, sufficient sunlight, and varying cloud cover throughout the year, residents can harness the power of the sun to generate clean energy and reduce electricity costs. By analyzing the investment in solar panels and considering the weather data specific to the area, it is evident that switching to solar power can result in breaking even on the initial cost in around 4-5 years. The financial benefits of solar energy in Lewiston are substantial, making it a wise choice for saving money and helping the environment simultaneously.