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Solar and Electricity Data for Paul Smiths, NY: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Paul Smiths, NY at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
1.7/10 0.1/10 1.6/10 0.2/10 6.7/10
OK 65% daily 6 inches monthly 2.9 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

In Paul Smiths, New York, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will show you how a solar system can help you break even in a certain amount of time. With the potential for lower electricity bills and a more sustainable energy source, investing in solar panels may be a smart choice for residents of Paul Smiths.

Paul Smiths New York Weather Trends

Paul Smiths Precipitation

With Paul Smiths receiving 67.27 inches of precipitation in the last year, residents may worry about the impact on solar panels. However, being in the 84th percentile nationally and the 62nd percentile in New York means that the area is not excessively rainy. In comparison, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and New York’s average is 63.5 inches. Therefore, Paul Smiths’ precipitation levels are manageable for solar panel efficiency.

Paul Smiths’s UV Rating

Although Paul Smiths has an average UV rating of 2.89, placing it in the 2nd percentile in the nation and New York, this should not discourage residents from considering solar panels. The national average UV rating is 4.29, and New York’s average is 3.57, indicating that Paul Smiths still receives a substantial amount of sunlight. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 3.08, residents can be assured that there is sufficient sunlight for solar panel performance, despite not being among the highest in the country.

Paul Smiths’s Cloud Cover

Paul Smiths experienced an average of 65% cloud cover in the last year, which is in the 99th percentile nationally and the 98th percentile in New York. While this may seem concerning for solar energy production, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and New York’s average is 54.76%. Despite having a higher cloud cover percentage, Paul Smiths still has adequate sunny days for solar panel efficiency. With a variety of cloud cover percentages throughout the year, there are still numerous opportunities for solar energy generation.

Paul Smiths New York Electricity Costs

Residents of Paul Smiths pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing them in the 67th percentile nationally and the 53rd percentile in New York. This means that while electricity costs in Paul Smiths are relatively average compared to the rest of the country and the state, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings in the long run. The national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, whereas New York’s average is slightly higher at $0.15/kw. By switching to solar energy, residents can not only reduce their electricity bills but also contribute to a more sustainable environment.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Paul Smiths New York?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Paul Smiths New York, 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:

  • Paul Smiths New York receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunny days for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Paul Smiths New York are lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
  • The cloud cover in Paul Smiths New York is higher than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Paul Smiths New York pay the national average for electricity, which is $0.13/kw.

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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase as much from the grid.
  • With the average electricity costs in Paul Smiths New York, the savings from using solar power would also be at the national average rate.

Based on the calculations, it would take approximately 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Paul Smiths New York. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Considering that solar panels last for a long time, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is a smart choice to save money and contribute to environmental sustainability.

Investing in solar power in Paul Smiths New York

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Paul Smiths, New York, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. Despite receiving higher precipitation levels and having lower UV ratings than the national average, Paul Smiths still has enough sunlight for solar panel efficiency. With electricity costs at the national average rate, residents can expect to break even on a solar installation in approximately 8-10 years. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the initial investment. Overall, choosing solar power is a wise decision for residents of Paul Smiths, offering both economic benefits and environmental sustainability.