Overview
In sunny Washington, Arkansas, installing solar panels on your home can help you save money on your electricity bills. By analyzing local weather data and electricity costs, we estimate how long it will take for a solar system to pay for itself, ultimately putting money back in your pocket. Let’s explore the financial benefits of going solar in Washington, Arkansas.
Washington Arkansas Weather Trends
Washington Precipitation
With only 24.56 inches of precipitation in the last year, Washington, Arkansas is in the 8th percentile in the nation and the 3rd percentile in Arkansas. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Arkansas’s average of 54.5 inches, Washington receives significantly less rainfall.
Washington’s UV Rating
Washington, Arkansas boasts an impressive average UV rating of 7.05, ranking in the 100th percentile in the nation and the 99th percentile in Arkansas. In comparison, the national average is 4.29, and Arkansas’s average is 5.13. With an average max UV rating of 7.55, Washington’s sunny days provide ample opportunity for solar energy generation.
Washington’s Cloud Cover
Enjoying an average of only 29% cloud cover in the last year, Washington, Arkansas finds itself in the 6th percentile in the nation and the 3rd percentile in Arkansas. When compared to the national average of 44.46% and Arkansas’s average of 38.77%, Washington’s clear skies offer ideal conditions for solar panel efficiency.
Washington Arkansas Electricity Costs
Residents of Washington, Arkansas pay a low rate of about $0.1/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 18th percentile in the nation and the 38th percentile in Arkansas. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Arkansas’s average is $0.11/kw. By utilizing solar panels, Washington residents can take advantage of their sunny weather and relatively low electricity costs to save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Washington Arkansas?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Washington Arkansas, 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:
- Washington Arkansas receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Washington Arkansas are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power efficiently.
- Cloud cover in Washington Arkansas is below the national average, with a good number of sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Washington Arkansas pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for the savings from solar power.
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 need to purchase from the grid, especially with the lower electricity costs in Washington Arkansas.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And since solar panels last for 25-30 years, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years beyond the payback period. It’s a wise investment for both your finances and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Washington Arkansas
Installing solar panels in Washington, Arkansas can be a smart financial decision. With the combination of abundant sunshine, low precipitation, and relatively low electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in just 4-5 years. After that initial period, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, providing long-term benefits for both your wallet and the environment. So, if you’re looking to save money and reduce your carbon footprint, going solar in Washington, Arkansas is definitely worth considering!