Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Reading, VT: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Reading, VT at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.4/10 0.9/10 1/10 0.2/10 9.8/10
OK 57% daily 6 inches monthly 2.9 on average 0.2/kw

Overview

Are you a Reading Vermont resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By analyzing local weather data and electricity costs, we can show you how much you could potentially save over time. With the sunny days and low cloud cover in Reading, Vermont, a solar system could break even in a relatively short amount of time, allowing you to enjoy reduced monthly expenses and a more sustainable lifestyle. Keep reading to learn more about the financial benefits of going solar in Reading Vermont.

Reading Vermont Weather Trends

Reading Precipitation

With Reading Vermont receiving 71.14 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s important to note that this puts the town in the 90th percentile in the nation and the 68th percentile in Vermont. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Vermont’s average of 68.03 inches, it’s clear that Reading experiences a significant amount of rainfall. Fortunately, solar panels can still be a beneficial investment in this area, as they can generate electricity even on cloudy days.

Reading’s UV Rating

Looking at the UV ratings for Reading Vermont over the last year, we see that the town had an average UV rating of 2.91, putting it in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 17th percentile in Vermont. Although Reading may not have the highest UV ratings, solar panels can still be effective in harnessing sunlight for energy. With an average max UV rating of 3.08, there is still plenty of solar potential in Reading despite its lower UV ratings compared to the national and state averages.

Reading’s Cloud Cover

Reading Vermont experienced an average of 57% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 91st percentile in the nation and the 9th percentile in Vermont. While cloud cover can impact solar panel efficiency, Reading’s cloud cover percentages vary throughout the year. With 67 days of clear skies and 123 days of fully cloudy skies, there are still many days where solar panels can generate significant amounts of electricity, making them a viable option for residents looking to save on their energy bills.

Reading Vermont Electricity Costs

Reading Vermont residents pay about $0.2/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw but on par with Vermont’s average of $0.2/kw. Despite the slightly higher electricity costs in Reading, installing solar panels can help offset these expenses over time and provide a more sustainable alternative to traditional grid electricity. By investing in solar energy, residents can save money in the long run while also reducing their carbon footprint.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Reading Vermont?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Reading Vermont, 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:

  • Reading Vermont receives more precipitation compared to the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Reading Vermont are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Reading Vermont is higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Reading Vermont 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.
  • Due to higher electricity rates in Reading Vermont, the savings from using solar power are substantial.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take around 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 offset the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many years beyond the breakeven point. Investing in solar energy is a wise choice for saving money and supporting the environment simultaneously!

Investing in solar power in Reading Vermont

Installing solar panels in Reading, Vermont can be a cost-effective solution for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. Despite the town’s high precipitation, lower UV ratings, and frequent cloud cover, solar panels can still generate significant amounts of electricity. With electricity costs slightly higher than the national average but on par with Vermont’s average, investing in solar energy can help offset expenses over time and lead to long-term savings. Based on the analysis of weather data and electricity costs, it is estimated that residents could break even on a solar panel installation in around 7 years. This initial investment will pay off in the long run, providing sustainable energy and financial benefits for years to come.