Overview
If you’re a Standish Maine resident looking to save money on electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data collected over 365 days, we can see that Standish experiences ample sunshine, making it an ideal location for solar power generation. With the average electricity cost in the area in mind, we break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even. This article aims to show you the financial benefits of going solar in Standish Maine.
Standish Maine Weather Trends
Standish Precipitation
With 78.52 inches of precipitation in the last year, Standish Maine is above the national average of 50.61 inches, putting it in the 96th percentile in the nation. Compared to Maine’s average of 73.85 inches, Standish still receives more rain. Despite the high precipitation levels, solar panels can still be a beneficial investment due to the amount of sunshine Standish receives.
Standish’s UV Rating
Standish Maine had an average UV rating of 3.34, lower than both the national average of 4.29 and Maine’s average of 3.29. However, the max UV rating of 3.49 is still sufficient for effective solar energy generation. Although Standish may have lower UV levels compared to other areas, solar panels can still produce significant energy savings for residents.
Standish’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 54% cloud cover, Standish Maine has slightly higher cloud coverage than the national average of 44.46%. Despite this, Standish still experiences a good amount of sunny days, as shown by the varying percentages of cloud cover throughout the year. This mix of sunlight and cloud cover can make Standish an optimal location for solar panel installations.
Standish Maine Electricity Costs
Standish Maine residents pay about $0.16/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw. However, compared to Maine’s average of $0.16/kw, the cost remains consistent. By investing in solar panels, Standish residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills and take advantage of the sunny weather to generate clean and affordable energy.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Standish Maine?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Standish 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:
- Standish Maine receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Standish Maine are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Standish Maine is slightly higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Standish Maine residents 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- Given the higher electricity rates in Standish Maine, the savings from solar power are even more significant.
After analyzing the numbers, it seems like it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Furthermore, with solar panels lasting for many years, the savings will continue well beyond this payback period. Investing in solar panels is not only a smart financial choice but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
Investing in solar power in Standish Maine
Installing solar panels in Standish Maine can be a wise financial decision for residents looking to save money on electricity bills. Despite higher precipitation levels and slightly lower UV ratings than national averages, Standish still receives ample sunlight and has good potential for solar power generation due to varying cloud cover. With electricity costs slightly higher than the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings over time. Analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take around 6 years to break even on a standard solar system in Standish. Beyond the payback period, residents can enjoy continued savings and contribute to a cleaner environment by utilizing solar energy.