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Solar and Electricity Data for Nehalem, OR: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Nehalem, OR at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
0.9/10 1.1/10 0.1/10 1.5/10 1.6/10
OK 55% daily 8 inches monthly 3.4 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Considering the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your Nehalem, Oregon home, it’s crucial to look at the data. With an average of 68.5 inches of precipitation, an average max UV rating of 7, an average UV rating of 4, and an average of 71% cloud cover over the course of a year, the potential for solar energy production is promising. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, you can see how investing in solar energy can save you money in the long run.

Nehalem Oregon Weather Trends

Nehalem Precipitation

With Nehalem, Oregon receiving 97.12 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that this area experiences a significant amount of rain. Compared to the rest of the nation, Nehalem is in the 99th percentile for total precipitation, far exceeding the national average of 50.61 inches. Even within Oregon, Nehalem is still well above the state average of 54.5 inches. This abundance of rain provides a great opportunity for residents to harness solar energy and reduce their reliance on traditional power sources.

Nehalem’s UV Rating

Despite Nehalem, Oregon having an average UV rating of 3.42 in the last year, which is below the national and state averages, there is still potential for solar energy production. While Nehalem may not receive as much sunlight as other regions, even a lower UV rating can result in significant energy savings over time. By installing solar panels, residents can take advantage of whatever sunlight is available to generate clean, renewable energy for their homes.

Nehalem’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 55% cloud cover in Nehalem, Oregon, residents might worry about the impact on solar energy production. However, even with the higher-than-average cloud cover, Nehalem is still in a prime position to benefit from solar power. While there are days with heavier cloud cover, there are also plenty of clear days in between. By investing in solar panels, residents can capture sunlight on those bright days and store excess energy for when it’s cloudy.

Nehalem Oregon Electricity Costs

At $0.1/kw for electricity, Nehalem, Oregon residents are paying below the national average, giving them an edge when it comes to saving money with solar panels. While the state average is slightly lower at $0.11/kw, Nehalem is still in a good position to see significant savings by switching to solar energy. By making the initial investment in solar panels, residents can reduce their electricity bills and potentially even generate extra income by selling excess energy back to the grid.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Nehalem Oregon?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Nehalem 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:

  • Nehalem Oregon receives more precipitation than the national average, but still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
  • The UV ratings in Nehalem Oregon are slightly lower than the national average, but are still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Nehalem Oregon is higher than the national average, with some days having more cloud cover than others.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Nehalem Oregon pay less 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, reducing the amount needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
  • With lower electricity rates in Nehalem Oregon, the savings may be slightly less compared to other areas with higher rates.

After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Nehalem Oregon. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start accumulating and offsetting the investment. Plus, considering that solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is a practical way to save money and contribute to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in Nehalem Oregon

Investing in solar energy in Nehalem, Oregon can lead to significant cost savings over time. Despite the high precipitation and cloud cover in the area, the potential for solar energy production is promising. With electricity costs below the national average, residents have the opportunity to break even on their solar panel investment in around 8-10 years. Not only will this save money on electricity bills, but it will also contribute to a greener environment for years to come. Making the switch to solar power is a smart choice for homeowners in Nehalem, Oregon.