Overview
If you live in Scarborough, Maine, and are looking to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data over the course of a year, including average precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, we can estimate the potential savings from harnessing solar energy. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and calculating the time it will take to break even, we can show you how investing in solar panels can pay off in the long run.
Scarborough Maine Weather Trends
Scarborough Precipitation
With 73.01 inches of precipitation in the last year, Scarborough Maine is in the 39th percentile in the state and the 92nd percentile in the country. While Maine’s average for total precipitation is 73.85 inches, the national average is 50.61 inches. By harnessing solar energy, Scarborough residents can take advantage of the ample rainfall to power their homes efficiently.
Scarborough’s UV Rating
Scarborough Maine had an average UV rating of 3.34 in the last year, placing it in the 85th percentile in Maine and the 12th percentile in the nation. This is slightly lower than the national average of 4.29. However, with an average max UV rating of 3.45, which is just above the national average, Scarborough residents can benefit from sufficient sunlight to generate solar power. By installing solar panels, you can make the most of the available UV radiation.
Scarborough’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 52% in the last year, putting Scarborough in the 8th percentile in Maine and the 81st percentile in the nation, residents can still benefit from solar energy. With varying degrees of cloud cover throughout the year, Scarborough experiences a balance that allows for sufficient sunlight to generate power from solar panels. By taking advantage of clear days, you can maximize the efficiency of your solar system.
Scarborough Maine Electricity Costs
Scarborough residents pay about $0.16/kw for electricity, which is in the 50th percentile in Maine and the 95th percentile in the nation. While Maine’s average for residential electricity is also $0.16/kw, the national average is $0.13/kw. By switching to solar energy, you can reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources and save money in the long run. Investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings on your electricity bills over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Scarborough Maine?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Scarborough Maine, 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:
- Scarborough Maine receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Scarborough Maine are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Scarborough Maine is slightly higher than the national average, which may impact the efficiency of solar panels.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Scarborough Maine pay a bit 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, thus saving money on electricity bills.
- Given the higher electricity rates in Scarborough Maine, the savings from solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, 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 start to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar panels not only helps save money but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Scarborough Maine
Installing solar panels in Scarborough, Maine can be a smart financial decision for residents looking to save money on electricity bills. By analyzing weather trends and electricity costs in the area, we have determined that investing in solar energy can lead to significant savings in the long run. With ample rainfall, sufficient sunlight, and the potential to offset higher electricity rates, solar panels can pay for themselves within approximately 7 years. Not only does this investment benefit homeowners financially, but it also contributes to environmental sustainability. By harnessing solar power, residents in Scarborough can take control of their energy usage and reduce their carbon footprint while saving money.