Overview
In Long Creek, Oregon, installing solar panels can save residents a significant amount of money on their electricity bills. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, this article breaks down the financial benefits of a solar system in this specific location. With the cost of a solar system estimated and the time it takes to break even calculated, residents can see how investing in solar panels can lead to long-term savings.
Long Creek Oregon Weather Trends
Long Creek Precipitation
In the last year, Long Creek Oregon received 32.71 inches of precipitation, putting it in the 15th percentile in the nation and the 25th percentile in Oregon. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Oregon’s average of 54.5 inches, Long Creek experiences less rainfall, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Long Creek’s UV Rating
Last year, Long Creek Oregon had an average UV rating of 3.33, ranking it in the 12th percentile in the nation and the 12th percentile in Oregon. With a lower UV rating compared to the national average of 4.29 and Oregon’s average of 3.7, Long Creek’s moderate sun exposure still makes it a viable place for solar panels. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 3.69 shows ample sunshine for efficient solar energy production.
Long Creek’s Cloud Cover
Long Creek Oregon had an average of 42% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 40th percentile in the nation and the 27th percentile in Oregon. With more cloud cover than the national average of 44.46% but less than Oregon’s average of 46.8%, Long Creek still experiences sufficient sunlight for solar energy generation. The distribution of cloud cover throughout the year allows for consistent solar power production.
Long Creek Oregon Electricity Costs
Long Creek residents pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, positioning the town in the 11th percentile in the nation and the 40th percentile in Oregon. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Oregon’s average is $0.11/kw. With lower-than-average electricity costs, investing in solar panels in Long Creek can lead to substantial long-term savings on energy bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Long Creek Oregon?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Long Creek 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:
- Long Creek Oregon gets less precipitation compared to the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Long Creek Oregon are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Long Creek Oregon is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Long Creek Oregon pay slightly 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
- With the slightly lower electricity rates in Long Creek Oregon, the savings are still significant.
After analyzing the numbers, it seems like it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so after the initial period, you’ll continue to benefit from those savings for many years. It’s a wise choice for saving money and contributing to environmental conservation!
Investing in solar power in Long Creek Oregon
By evaluating the weather trends and electricity costs in Long Creek, Oregon, it is evident that investing in solar panels can result in significant long-term savings for residents. With lower precipitation, suitable UV ratings, and manageable cloud cover, Long Creek offers an ideal environment for solar power generation. Additionally, the town’s below-average electricity costs make the investment in solar panels even more financially beneficial. Based on the analysis, it is estimated that residents could expect to break even on the cost of a solar system within 5-6 years, after which they can continue to enjoy savings on their energy bills for many more years. Ultimately, choosing solar panels in Long Creek not only leads to financial savings but also contributes to environmental sustainability, making it a smart choice for residents looking to save money while supporting clean energy.