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Solar and Electricity Data for Plainfield, MA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Plainfield, MA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.9/10 4.4/10 0.1/10 10/10 9.9/10
Not Bad 46% daily 9 inches monthly 6.9 on average 0.24/kw

Overview

If you’re a Plainfield Massachusetts resident looking to save money on your electricity bills, then installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data specific to Plainfield, such as average max UV rating, average UV rating, percentage cloud cover, and precipitation, we can estimate how much energy your solar system would generate. This analysis will allow us to calculate the cost of a solar system, including installation, and estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. Read on to discover the potential financial benefits of going solar in Plainfield.

Plainfield Massachusetts Weather Trends

Plainfield Precipitation

With Plainfield Massachusetts receiving 103.71 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the town sees a lot of rain. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, and Massachusetts’s average of 68.12 inches, Plainfield is in the 99th percentile for both. This abundance of rain can actually benefit you as a solar panel owner, as rainy days can help clean your panels and increase energy production.

Plainfield’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 6.93 in the last year, Plainfield Massachusetts is in the top percentile compared to both the nation and the state. The national average UV rating is 4.29, while Massachusetts’s average sits at 3.69. These high UV ratings mean your solar panels will be exposed to plenty of sunlight, maximizing their energy output and potentially saving you more money on your electricity bills.

Plainfield’s Cloud Cover

Plainfield Massachusetts had an average of 46% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 56th percentile nationwide and the 4th percentile in Massachusetts. With varying cloud cover throughout the year, you can still expect plenty of sunshine to power your solar panels efficiently. Despite some cloudy days, your solar system will still be able to generate significant energy savings for your home.

Plainfield Massachusetts Electricity Costs

Residents in Plainfield Massachusetts pay around $0.24/kw for electricity, positioning the town in the 99th percentile in the nation and the 95th percentile in Massachusetts. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Massachusetts’s average is $0.22/kw. By installing solar panels, you can take advantage of the abundant sunshine in Plainfield to offset high electricity costs and potentially even earn money through net metering.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Plainfield Massachusetts?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Plainfield Massachusetts, 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:

  • Plainfield Massachusetts receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Plainfield Massachusetts are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Plainfield Massachusetts is slightly higher than the national average, with variations throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Plainfield Massachusetts 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 to be purchased from the grid.
  • With higher electricity rates in Plainfield Massachusetts, the savings are even greater.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and 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 power is a wise financial decision that not only saves money but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Investing in solar power in Plainfield Massachusetts

Installing solar panels in Plainfield Massachusetts can be a smart financial decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. With high UV ratings, abundant rain to clean panels, and enough sunshine for efficient energy production, solar systems can generate significant savings. Despite slightly higher electricity costs in Plainfield, the investment in solar panels can usually be recouped within about 5 years, after which the savings will continue for many more years. Overall, going solar in Plainfield offers both financial benefits and a positive impact on the environment.