Overview
Living in Makawao, Hawaii comes with plenty of sunny days and warm weather, making it the perfect location to take advantage of solar energy. By installing solar panels on your home, you can not only help the environment but also save money on your electricity bills. In this article, we will discuss how much you can save by using weather data and electricity costs specific to Makawao, as well as the cost of a solar system and how long it will take to break even. Get ready to make a smart investment in your home and your wallet with solar energy!
Makawao Hawaii Weather Trends
Makawao Precipitation
With Makawao receiving 30.81 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is below the national average of 50.61 inches and slightly lower than Hawaii’s average of 38.66 inches. This means Makawao experiences less rainy weather compared to most places in the country and the state, providing more sunny days for solar energy production.
Makawao’s UV Rating
Makawao’s average UV rating of 5.19 in the last year is higher than both the national average of 4.29 and Hawaii’s average of 5.44, showcasing the abundance of sunlight in the area. This ample sunlight is perfect for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently, allowing residents to harness the power of the sun for their energy needs.
Makawao’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 57% cloud cover, Makawao is above the national average of 44.46% but slightly below Hawaii’s average of 53.18%. Despite some cloud cover, Makawao still has numerous days with clear skies, providing ample sunlight for solar panel performance. The variety of cloud cover days allows for consistent energy production throughout the year.
Makawao Hawaii Electricity Costs
Residents in Makawao pay about $0.33 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw but aligns with Hawaii’s average. By installing solar panels, homeowners can significantly reduce their electricity bills and offset the higher costs associated with traditional electricity sources. Switching to solar power can lead to substantial savings in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Makawao Hawaii?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Makawao Hawaii, 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:
- Makawao Hawaii receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Makawao Hawaii are higher than the national average, providing great conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Makawao Hawaii is higher than the national average, but there are still many days with good sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Makawao Hawaii pay more for electricity compared to the national average, which increases the potential 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed to be purchased from the grid.
- With higher electricity rates in Makawao Hawaii, the potential savings are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the breakeven point. Investing in solar panels is not only a smart financial decision but also a way to contribute to a sustainable future.
Investing in solar power in Makawao Hawaii
Living in Makawao, Hawaii offers a prime opportunity to capitalize on solar energy and reap the benefits both financially and environmentally. With an abundance of sunny days, favorable UV ratings, and efficient solar panel performance, residents can save significantly on their electricity bills. By investing in a solar system, homeowners in Makawao can expect to break even on their initial investment in around 7 years, leading to long-term savings and a sustainable future. Make the smart choice for your home and wallet by harnessing the power of solar energy in Makawao!