Overview
Are you looking to save money on your electricity bill and make a positive impact on the environment? Installing solar panels on your Auburn Washington home could be a great investment for you. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of going solar in Auburn, using local weather data to show you how much you can save on your energy costs. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how quickly you can recoup the cost of a solar system and start enjoying the long-term savings it brings.
Auburn Washington Weather Trends
Auburn Precipitation
In the last year, Auburn Washington received 43.44 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 34th percentile nationally and the 45th percentile within the state. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Washington’s average is 45.64 inches. Despite receiving slightly less precipitation than averages, Auburn still has a notable amount of rainfall to utilize for solar energy production.
Auburn’s UV Rating
Over the past year, Auburn Washington had an average UV rating of 3.52, ranking it in the 20th percentile nationally and the 45th percentile within Washington. In comparison, the national average for UV rating is 4.29, with Washington’s average at 3.64. With an average max UV rating of 3.93, Auburn falls in the 29th percentile nationally and the 46th percentile within the state. The available UV exposure in Auburn supports effective solar panel energy generation.
Auburn’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Auburn Washington had an average of 53% cloud cover, placing it in the 83rd percentile nationally and the 54th percentile within Washington. While this indicates more cloud cover than the national average of 44.46%, Auburn still experiences enough clear days to support efficient solar energy production. With a considerable number of days ranging from 0% to 25% cloud cover, Auburn provides ample sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity.
Auburn Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Auburn Washington pay approximately $0.11/kw for electricity, ranking the city in the 25th percentile nationally and the 87th percentile within the state. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, with Washington’s average at $0.1/kw. With lower-than-average electricity costs, investing in solar panels in Auburn can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Auburn Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Auburn, Washington, 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:
- Auburn receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Auburn are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Auburn is slightly higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Auburn pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact 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 amount needed from the grid and lowering electricity bills.
- With Auburn’s electricity costs, the savings may be slightly lower than in other areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 5 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Auburn. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels can be a smart financial and environmental decision for residents of Auburn, Washington.
Investing in solar power in Auburn Washington
Installing solar panels in Auburn, Washington can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills. With slightly lower-than-average precipitation and UV ratings but ample sunlight for energy generation, Auburn is a suitable location for solar power. Despite slightly higher cloud cover, the savings on electricity costs can help recoup the initial investment in solar panels within 5 to 6 years. This financial and environmental investment is a smart choice for residents looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint in the long run.