Overview
Are you a Stony Brook New York resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Consider installing solar panels on your home! By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Stony Brook, we can show you how much you can save over time. With a breakdown of solar system costs and estimates on breaking even, you’ll see how investing in solar energy can benefit your wallet in the long run.
Stony Brook New York Weather Trends
Stony Brook Precipitation
With Stony Brook receiving 70.04 inches of precipitation last year, it is clear that our area experiences more rainfall than most of the country, ranking in the 89th percentile nationwide and the 76th percentile within New York. This abundance of rain can help keep your solar panels clean and operating efficiently, maximizing their energy production potential.
Stony Brook’s UV Rating
Stony Brook has an average UV rating of 3.85, which is higher than the national average of 4.29 but lower than New York’s average of 3.57. With a high maximum UV rating of 3.93, Stony Brook residents can take advantage of ample sunlight for their solar panels, ensuring consistent energy generation throughout the year.
Stony Brook’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 46%, Stony Brook ranks higher than the national average of 44.46% but lower than New York’s average of 54.76%. The distribution of cloud cover days in Stony Brook allows for a good balance between sunny and cloudy days, providing a stable environment for solar energy production.
Stony Brook New York Electricity Costs
Stony Brook residents pay about $0.21 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 99th percentile in the nation and the 91st percentile in New York. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and New York’s average of $0.15/kw, going solar can significantly lower your electricity costs over time and increase your savings in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Stony Brook New York?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Stony Brook, New York, 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:
- Stony Brook gets more precipitation than the national average, but there are still sunny days for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Stony Brook are slightly lower than the national average, but they’re still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Stony Brook is about average for the country, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Stony Brook 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 Stony Brook’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even greater.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 9 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 9 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 Stony Brook New York
Installing solar panels in Stony Brook, New York can be a great way to save money on your electricity bills in the long run. By taking advantage of the abundant rainfall and sunlight in the area, along with the higher electricity costs, you can expect to break even on your investment in around 9 years. After that initial period, the savings on your electricity bills will continue to add up, making solar energy a smart financial choice for residents of Stony Brook. Not only will you be saving money, but you’ll also be contributing to a more sustainable future. Consider the benefits of solar energy and start saving today!