Overview
Are you a Portsmouth Rhode Island resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a great financial decision for you. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even based on weather data and electricity costs specific to Portsmouth. With the potential for significant savings on your monthly bills, going solar may be a smart investment for your home.
Portsmouth Rhode Island Weather Trends
Portsmouth Precipitation
With Portsmouth Rhode Island receiving 71.89 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area experiences a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Portsmouth is in the 91st percentile in the country. While Rhode Island as a whole averages 70.49 inches of precipitation annually, Portsmouth still stands out in terms of being slightly higher. By harnessing the power of solar energy, Portsmouth residents can benefit from sustainable energy even in a climate with ample rainfall.
Portsmouth’s UV Rating
Portsmouth Rhode Island has an average UV rating of 3.64, which shows that the area receives a moderate amount of ultraviolet radiation. When compared to the national average of 4.29, Portsmouth is in the 26th percentile nationwide. Additionally, Rhode Island’s average UV rating of 3.7 indicates that Portsmouth experiences slightly lower UV radiation levels than other parts of the state. With consistent exposure to sunlight, solar panels can efficiently generate electricity for Portsmouth homeowners all year round.
Portsmouth’s Cloud Cover
Portsmouth Rhode Island has an average of 49% cloud cover, indicating a moderate amount of cloudiness throughout the year. Compared to the national average of 44.46%, Portsmouth is in the 70th percentile in the country. While Rhode Island’s average cloud cover is 49.35%, Portsmouth still experiences slightly clearer skies than other parts of the state. By taking advantage of periods of clear skies, solar panels can maximize energy production for Portsmouth residents, even on cloudy days.
Portsmouth Rhode Island Electricity Costs
Portsmouth residents pay about $0.22 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw. However, when considering Rhode Island’s average of $0.22/kw, Portsmouth falls in line with state costs. By switching to solar energy, homeowners in Portsmouth can reduce their dependency on traditional electricity sources, ultimately lowering their monthly utility bills. Investing in solar panels can lead to long-term savings and a more environmentally-friendly household.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Portsmouth Rhode Island?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, 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:
- Portsmouth receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Portsmouth are slightly lower than the national average, but sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Portsmouth is slightly above the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Portsmouth 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 from the grid.
- With Portsmouth’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are even greater.
After running the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years after that initial period. It’s a wise investment for saving money and contributing to a greener environment!
Investing in solar power in Portsmouth Rhode Island
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Portsmouth, Rhode Island, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a smart financial decision for residents. Despite receiving higher than average precipitation and slightly lower UV ratings, Portsmouth still experiences enough sunshine to generate solar power effectively. With electricity costs in the area being higher than the national average, switching to solar energy can lead to significant long-term savings on monthly utility bills. Based on the calculations, it is estimated that it would take about 7 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar panel installation in Portsmouth. This investment not only saves money but also contributes to a more environmentally-friendly household. By going solar, residents can enjoy both financial benefits and sustainable energy for many years to come.