Overview
In Shelton, Connecticut, installing a solar panel system on your home can provide significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Shelton, we can estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. With the average annual weather conditions and electricity rates in mind, you can make an informed decision about whether going solar is a smart choice for you.
Shelton Connecticut Weather Trends
Shelton Precipitation
In the last year, Shelton Connecticut received 72.21 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 91st percentile in the nation and the 66th percentile in Connecticut. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Shelton experiences higher levels of precipitation. However, Connecticut as a whole sees higher average total precipitation at 70.36 inches. With ample rainfall, harnessing this natural resource with solar panels can help offset electricity costs.
Shelton’s UV Rating
Shelton Connecticut had an average UV rating of 3.77 and an average max UV rating of 3.99 in the last year. These ratings position Shelton in the 34th and 32nd percentiles in the nation, respectively. While lower than the national averages of 4.29 and 4.61, Shelton’s UV ratings are relatively high compared to Connecticut’s averages. This level of sun exposure makes Shelton a suitable location for solar panel installation, allowing residents to take advantage of the ample sunlight for energy production.
Shelton’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 47% cloud cover in the last year, Shelton sits above the national average of 44.46% but below Connecticut’s average of 49.34%. The distribution of cloud cover in Shelton includes a variety of days with different cloud coverage percentages. Despite this variation, installing solar panels can still be a viable option as they can capture sunlight even on partly cloudy days. By utilizing solar energy, residents can reduce their reliance on conventional grid electricity.
Shelton Connecticut Electricity Costs
Shelton Connecticut residents pay about $0.24/kw for electricity, positioning the town in the 99th percentile in the nation and the 90th percentile in Connecticut for residential electricity costs. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Connecticut’s average of $0.22/kw, Shelton experiences higher electricity expenses. Therefore, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings on utility bills while also reducing the environmental impact of traditional energy sources.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Shelton Connecticut?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Shelton, 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:
- Shelton, Connecticut receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower in Shelton compared to the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Shelton is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Shelton, Connecticut 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 Shelton’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even more significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels last a long time, you will continue to enjoy those savings for many years beyond the initial investment period. It’s a wise way to save money and contribute to the environment simultaneously!
Investing in solar power in Shelton Connecticut
Installing solar panels in Shelton, Connecticut can be a wise financial decision due to the town’s weather trends and high electricity costs. With ample sunlight for energy production and substantial long-term savings potential, investing in solar panels can lead to significant benefits. By analyzing the data on precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, along with the cost of electricity in Shelton, we can estimate that it would take around 5 years to break even on the initial investment. Beyond that, homeowners can enjoy continued savings and reduce their environmental impact. Solar power in Shelton is not only a smart choice but also a sustainable one for a brighter future.