Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Williamstown, MA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Williamstown, MA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.6/10 0/10 2.9/10 0.3/10 9.9/10
OK 70% daily 5 inches monthly 3 on average 0.24/kw

Overview

Are you a Williamstown resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Consider installing solar panels on your home! By analyzing weather data specific to Williamstown, such as inches of precipitation, average UV ratings, and cloud cover percentages, we can estimate how much you can save with solar power. With the cost breakdown of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you can see the financial benefits of going solar in your area.

Williamstown Massachusetts Weather Trends

Williamstown Precipitation

With 60.49 inches of precipitation in the last year, Williamstown is ahead of the national average of 50.61 inches but slightly below the Massachusetts average of 68.09 inches. By harnessing solar power, you can take advantage of the ample rainfall in your area to generate clean energy for your home.

Williamstown’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 3.02, Williamstown falls below both the national average of 4.29 and the Massachusetts average of 3.69. However, with the availability of sunlight throughout the year, solar panels can still be a cost-effective solution for your energy needs, helping you save on electricity bills while reducing your carbon footprint.

Williamstown’s Cloud Cover

Williamstown experiences an average cloud cover of 70%, higher than both the national average of 44.46% and the Massachusetts average of 50.86%. Despite the cloudier weather in your area, solar panels can still efficiently generate electricity, making them a viable option to reduce your dependence on traditional energy sources.

Williamstown Massachusetts Electricity Costs

With electricity costs of $0.24/kw, Williamstown residents pay more than the national average of $0.13/kw and the Massachusetts average of $0.22/kw. By investing in solar panels, you can offset these high electricity costs and potentially even generate excess energy to sell back to the grid, providing long-term savings and environmental benefits.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Williamstown Massachusetts?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Williamstown, Massachusetts, here’s a breakdown of the investment in solar panels and the time it would take to recoup the initial cost.

First, let’s look at the weather data:

  • Williamstown gets more precipitation compared to the national average, but it still receives enough sunlight for solar panels to function effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Williamstown are slightly lower than the national average, but they are sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Williamstown is higher than the national average, with varying degrees of cloudiness throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Williamstown pay more for electricity compared to the national average.

Breaking down the costs:

  • A standard 10kW solar system installation costs $20,000.
  • This system is expected to last between 25 and 30 years.

To determine the break-even point on this investment, we need to calculate the annual savings from using solar power:

  • With solar power, there is a reduction in the amount of electricity purchased from the grid.
  • Given the higher electricity rates in Williamstown, the savings from solar power are significant.

After calculations, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to recover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, the savings will continue for many more years. Investing in solar panels is a wise financial decision that also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Investing in solar power in Williamstown Massachusetts

Installing solar panels in Williamstown, Massachusetts can be a smart financial decision that also benefits the environment. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to the area, we can see that despite receiving more precipitation and having higher cloud cover percentages, solar panels can still efficiently generate electricity. With electricity costs higher than the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings over time. Based on our calculations, it would take approximately 5 years to break even on a solar installation, after which you can enjoy continued savings on your electricity bills. By going solar, not only can you save money, but you can also reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future.