Overview
In Gresham, Oregon, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant long-term financial savings. By utilizing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can show you how much you can save on your monthly energy bills. With the cost of a solar system broken down and the estimated time it will take to break even, you’ll see the benefits of going solar in no time.
Gresham Oregon Weather Trends
Gresham Precipitation
With Gresham, Oregon receiving 79.57 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that the region experiences more rainfall compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Oregon’s average of 54.5 inches. By harnessing this abundant natural resource, residents can significantly reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources and cut down on utility expenses.
Gresham’s UV Rating
When looking at Gresham’s average UV rating of 3.7 last year, it falls below the national average of 4.29 but aligns with Oregon’s average. However, with an average max UV rating of 4.17, Gresham shows potential for harnessing solar energy. By capitalizing on these sunny days, homeowners can generate clean electricity, reduce their carbon footprint, and save money in the long run.
Gresham’s Cloud Cover
Gresham, Oregon’s average cloud cover of 53% indicates that there are ample opportunities for solar panel exposure throughout the year. Although the region sees some cloudy days, the number of days with clear to partly cloudy skies provides a significant window for solar energy production. By utilizing this resource effectively, residents can lower their energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable environment.
Gresham Oregon Electricity Costs
With Gresham residents paying approximately $0.13/kw for electricity, which is in line with the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings. Compared to Oregon’s average residential electricity cost of $0.11/kw, going solar offers a cost-effective solution that not only benefits individual households but also contributes to the overall transition towards cleaner energy sources.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Gresham Oregon?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Gresham Oregon, 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:
- Gresham Oregon receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Gresham are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still adequate for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Gresham is higher than the national average, which may impact the efficiency of solar panels at times.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Gresham Oregon pay the national average for residential electricity costs.
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 less need to purchase from the grid.
- With average electricity costs, the savings from using solar power are more consistent.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Gresham Oregon. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is a practical way to save money and contribute to environmental sustainability over time.
Investing in solar power in Gresham Oregon
Installing solar panels in Gresham, Oregon is a smart investment that can lead to significant financial savings over time. With the region’s high precipitation levels and abundant sunlight, residents have the opportunity to generate clean energy and reduce their reliance on traditional power sources. Despite some cloudy days, the ample sunny days and reasonable electricity costs make solar power a cost-effective choice. By analyzing the data, we can see that it would take around 7-8 years to break even on the initial investment, after which homeowners can enjoy long-term savings and environmental benefits. Going solar in Gresham is a win-win solution for both your wallet and the planet.