Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Portland, CT: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Portland, CT at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.6/10 3.2/10 1.2/10 3.6/10 9.9/10
Not Bad 49% daily 6 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.22/kw

Overview

In Portland, Connecticut, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Portland, we can show you how much you can save on your electricity bills each month. With the cost of a solar system broken down and the estimated time it will take to break even, you will see why going solar is a smart investment for your home.

Portland Connecticut Weather Trends

Portland Precipitation

With Portland, Connecticut receiving 69.72 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area experiences a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Portland falls in the 88th percentile in the nation and the 41st percentile in Connecticut. By harnessing this abundant rainfall through solar panels, you can generate electricity for your home efficiently and sustainably.

Portland’s UV Rating

Portland, Connecticut has an average UV rating of 3.8, indicating moderate sunlight exposure. Relative to the national average of 4.29, Portland ranks in the 36th percentile nationwide but surprisingly high in Connecticut at the 93rd percentile. With an average max UV rating of 4.07, Portland’s potential for solar energy generation is significant. Installing solar panels can help you take advantage of the ample sunlight available in the region.

Portland’s Cloud Cover

Portland, Connecticut experiences an average cloud cover of 49% throughout the year. This places Portland in the 68th percentile in the nation and the 33rd percentile in Connecticut, suggesting a fair amount of sunshine for solar energy production. With nearly 100 days of minimal cloud cover annually, you have many opportunities to generate solar power for your home efficiently. By utilizing solar panels, you can maximize electricity production during sunny days.

Portland Connecticut Electricity Costs

Residents in Portland, Connecticut pay about $0.22/kw for electricity, which is relatively high compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. However, when compared to the Connecticut average of $0.22/kw, Portland falls in the 80th percentile statewide. By investing in solar panels, you can reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources and lower your monthly utility bills while contributing to a more sustainable environment.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Portland Connecticut?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Portland, Connecticut, 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:

  • Portland gets more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Portland are slightly lower than the national average, but they’re still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Portland is about average for the country, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Portland 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.
  • With Portland’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are even greater.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. Additionally, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll enjoy those savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Portland Connecticut

With the abundant precipitation and moderate sunlight exposure in Portland, Connecticut, installing solar panels on your home can be a wise financial decision. Despite higher electricity costs in the region, the potential savings from using solar power can offset the initial investment in around 6-7 years. After that, you can enjoy reduced electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable environment for many years to come. Going solar in Portland is a smart investment that can benefit you and the planet in the long run.