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

Rochdale, MA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.8/10 1.8/10 0.5/10 1.7/10 9.9/10
OK 53% daily 6 inches monthly 3.5 on average 0.24/kw

Overview

If you’re looking to save money on your electricity bill in Rochdale, Massachusetts, installing solar panels on your home is a smart choice. By analyzing weather data specific to your area, along with basic electricity costs, we can show you how much you could potentially save by making the switch to solar energy. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, this article will illustrate the financial benefits of going solar in Rochdale.

Rochdale Massachusetts Weather Trends

Rochdale Precipitation

With Rochdale Massachusetts receiving 76.91 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area sees a significant amount of rain. This places Rochdale in the 95th percentile in the nation and the 92nd percentile in Massachusetts. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Massachusetts’s average of 68.09 inches, it’s evident that Rochdale experiences above-average precipitation levels.

Rochdale’s UV Rating

Looking at the UV rating for Rochdale Massachusetts, with an average rating of 3.47, it falls in the 17th percentile in the nation and the 14th percentile in Massachusetts. In comparison, the national average UV rating is 4.29, while Massachusetts’s average stands at 3.69. The average max UV rating of 3.68 puts Rochdale in the 22nd percentile in the nation and the 35th percentile in Massachusetts, showing it receives a moderate amount of sun exposure.

Rochdale’s Cloud Cover

Rochdale Massachusetts experiences an average of 53% cloud cover, placing it in the 82nd percentile in the nation and the 86th percentile in Massachusetts. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Massachusetts’s average is slightly higher at 50.86%. With varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year, Rochdale sees a mix of sunny and cloudy days.

Rochdale Massachusetts Electricity Costs

Residents in Rochdale Massachusetts pay about $0.24 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is higher than both the national average of $0.13/kw and Massachusetts’s average of $0.22/kw. By making the switch to solar energy, Rochdale residents have the opportunity to significantly reduce their electricity costs over time, leading to substantial savings in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Rochdale 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:

  • Rochdale gets more rain than the national average, but it’s still sunny enough for solar panels to work effectively.
  • The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but they’re still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Rochdale 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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
  • With Rochdale’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even greater.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 7-8 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment at the same time!

Investing in solar power in Rochdale Massachusetts

In conclusion, installing solar panels in Rochdale, Massachusetts can lead to significant savings on electricity bills over time. By analyzing the weather data specific to the area, along with the higher electricity costs compared to national and state averages, it’s clear that making the switch to solar energy is a financially beneficial decision for residents. With an average break-even period of 7-8 years for a standard solar system, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make solar energy a smart choice for homeowners in Rochdale.