Overview
In this article, we will explore the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Kenmore, Washington. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will demonstrate how investing in a solar system can lead to significant long-term savings. With detailed breakdowns of costs and estimates on how quickly you can break even, you will see how going solar is not only environmentally friendly but also a wise financial decision for residents in Kenmore.
Kenmore Washington Weather Trends
Kenmore Precipitation
With Kenmore receiving 47.72 inches of precipitation in the last year, the city sits at the 43rd percentile nationally and the 52nd percentile within Washington. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Kenmore experiences slightly less rainfall. In Washington, the average total precipitation is 45.64 inches, making Kenmore slightly wetter than the state average.
Kenmore’s UV Rating
Kenmore’s average UV rating of 3.5 places it in the 19th percentile in the country and the 40th percentile in the state of Washington. This moderate UV rating makes Kenmore an ideal location for solar panel installation, as it receives ample sunlight throughout the year. Although slightly lower than the national average of 4.29, Kenmore’s UV rating is still conducive to efficient solar energy production.
Kenmore’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 56% in the last year, Kenmore ranks in the 90th percentile nationally and the 80th percentile within Washington. Despite experiencing cloudier days compared to the national average of 44.46%, Kenmore still has plenty of sunny days to harness solar energy efficiently. The distribution of cloud cover throughout the year allows for consistent solar panel output.
Kenmore Washington Electricity Costs
Kenmore residents enjoy relatively low electricity costs at $0.11/kw, positioning the city in the 29th percentile nationally and the 88th percentile within Washington. With the national average at $0.13/kw and Washington’s average at $0.1/kw, Kenmore’s electricity rates are competitive. By switching to solar energy, residents can further reduce their electricity bills and save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Kenmore Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Kenmore, 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:
- Kenmore, Washington gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Kenmore are slightly lower than the national average, but still adequate for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Kenmore is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Kenmore, Washington pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect the savings from using 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, especially with Kenmore’s lower electricity rates.
After considering the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels can last for many years, the savings will continue for a long time, making it a wise financial and environmentally friendly choice.
Investing in solar power in Kenmore Washington
Investing in solar panels in Kenmore, Washington can lead to significant long-term savings for residents. With slightly lower precipitation, adequate UV ratings, and consistent sunshine despite higher cloud cover, Kenmore is an ideal location for solar panel installation. Additionally, with lower electricity costs compared to the national average, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels within 6-7 years. This financial benefit, coupled with the long lifespan of solar panels, makes switching to solar energy a wise and environmentally friendly choice for residents in Kenmore, Washington.