Overview
In Somerville, Massachusetts, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can show you how investing in a solar system can help you break even in a reasonable amount of time. With a breakdown of costs and estimated savings, you can see the financial benefits of going solar in Somerville.
Somerville Massachusetts Weather Trends
Somerville Precipitation
With Somerville receiving 65.25 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls above the national average of 50.61 inches. However, compared to Massachusetts’s average of 68.09 inches, Somerville is on the lower end. Despite this, the amount of precipitation in Somerville is still considerable and can contribute to the effectiveness of solar panels by keeping them clean and efficient.
Somerville’s UV Rating
Over the last year, Somerville had an average UV rating of 3.69, matching Massachusetts’s average but falling below the national average of 4.29. This moderate UV rating provides a good balance, allowing for efficient energy production from solar panels without the risk of damage from excessive exposure. With an average max UV rating of 3.91, Somerville remains in a similar percentile range nationally and within the state.
Somerville’s Cloud Cover
At an average of 50% cloud cover, Somerville is slightly above the national average of 44.46% but aligns closely with Massachusetts’s average of 50.86%. The distribution of cloud cover throughout the year in Somerville allows for a balance of sunny and cloudy days, providing consistent energy generation from solar panels. With days spread across different cloud cover percentages, the solar system has opportunities to produce energy efficiently.
Somerville Massachusetts Electricity Costs
Residents in Somerville pay about $0.22/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw. However, the cost falls in line with Massachusetts’s average of $0.22/kw. By installing solar panels, residents can reduce their dependence on traditional electricity sources, ultimately saving money in the long run and contributing to a more sustainable environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Somerville Massachusetts?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Somerville 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:
- Somerville Massachusetts received more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Somerville Massachusetts are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Somerville Massachusetts is slightly higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Somerville Massachusetts 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 the higher electricity rates in Somerville Massachusetts, the savings from solar power are even more significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Somerville Massachusetts. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, considering the longevity of solar panels, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power not only saves money but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Somerville Massachusetts
Investing in solar panels in Somerville, Massachusetts can be a financially wise decision. By considering the weather trends and electricity costs specific to the area, it is clear that utilizing solar power can lead to significant savings over time. With an estimated break-even point of around 6-7 years, the initial investment in solar panels can pay off in the long run, offering both financial benefits and environmental advantages. Going solar in Somerville is not only a smart choice financially but also a step towards sustainable living.