Overview
If you live in Plymouth, New Hampshire, you may be considering whether installing solar panels on your home is a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Plymouth, we have calculated the potential savings you could experience by switching to solar power. This article will break down the costs of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. With the financial benefits in mind, you can see why solar panels may be a worthwhile investment for your home in Plymouth.
Plymouth New Hampshire Weather Trends
Plymouth Precipitation
With Plymouth, New Hampshire receiving 74.12 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the town experiences a significant amount of rain and snow. Compared to the rest of the country, Plymouth falls in the 93rd percentile for total precipitation, while it is in the 60th percentile within the state of New Hampshire. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, highlighting Plymouth’s above-average levels of precipitation.
Plymouth’s UV Rating
When considering the UV rating in Plymouth, New Hampshire, with an average of 2.92, it is clear that the town has relatively low levels of UV exposure. Plymouth ranks in the 2nd percentile nationally and the 13th percentile within New Hampshire for average UV rating. Comparatively, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, indicating that Plymouth experiences lower levels of UV radiation compared to the rest of the country.
In addition to the average UV rating, Plymouth’s average max UV rating of 3.04 places the town in the 9th percentile nationwide and the 15th percentile in New Hampshire. With a national average for average max UV rating of 4.61, it is evident that Plymouth experiences lower levels of maximum UV radiation compared to most regions across the country.
Plymouth’s Cloud Cover
Plymouth New Hampshire had an average of 58% cloud cover in the last year, positioning the town in the 94th percentile nationally and the 79th percentile within the state of New Hampshire. The national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, indicating that Plymouth experiences cloudier conditions compared to the rest of the country. New Hampshire’s average for cloud cover is 55.38%, showing that Plymouth has slightly higher cloud cover than the state average.
Throughout the year, Plymouth had varying levels of cloud cover with 61 days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover, 84 days with between 25% and 50% cloud cover, 99 days with between 50% and 75% cloud cover, and 120 days with between 75% and 100% cloud cover. These cloud cover patterns play a significant role in determining the town’s overall solar energy potential, as higher cloud cover can reduce sunlight exposure for solar panels.
Plymouth New Hampshire Electricity Costs
Residents of Plymouth, New Hampshire pay around $0.19 per kilowatt-hour for electricity. This places Plymouth in the 97th percentile nationally and the 88th percentile within New Hampshire for residential electricity costs. Compared to the national average of $0.13 per kilowatt-hour, Plymouth’s electricity costs are higher, indicating the potential financial benefits of investing in solar panels to reduce reliance on traditional power sources and save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Plymouth New Hampshire?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Plymouth New Hampshire, 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:
- Plymouth New Hampshire receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Plymouth New Hampshire are lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Plymouth New Hampshire is higher than the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Plymouth New Hampshire 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 need to buy as much from the grid.
- Given Plymouth New Hampshire’s higher electricity rates, the savings are potentially greater.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for many years, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for an extended period. Investing in solar energy not only helps you financially but also benefits the environment. It’s a wise decision for long-term savings and sustainability!
Investing in solar power in Plymouth New Hampshire
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Plymouth, New Hampshire, it is clear that investing in solar panels for your home can lead to significant financial benefits. Despite the town’s high precipitation and cloud cover, solar panels can still generate sufficient power due to the available sunlight. With electricity costs in Plymouth being higher than the national average, switching to solar energy can result in substantial savings over time. Based on our calculations, it is estimated that it would take around 7-8 years to break even on the initial investment of solar panels. This means that you can start accumulating savings on your electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable future for years to come. Investing in solar energy is not only a smart financial choice but also a positive step towards environmental conservation.