Overview
Living in Bellingham Washington has its perks, but it can also mean high electricity bills due to the cloudy and rainy weather. However, installing solar panels on your home can help you save money in the long run. By analyzing data on weather conditions and electricity costs, we have calculated how much you could save by going solar. In this article, we break down the cost of a solar system, estimate how long it will take to break even, and show you the financial benefits of making the switch to solar power in Bellingham.
Bellingham Washington Weather Trends
Bellingham Precipitation
Living in Bellingham Washington means dealing with a higher amount of precipitation compared to the national and state averages. With 56.92 inches of precipitation in the last year, Bellingham falls in the 63rd percentile in the nation and the 68th percentile in Washington. Despite the rainy weather, installing solar panels can still be a smart financial move in the long run.
Bellingham’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.18 in the last year, Bellingham ranks lower than the national and state averages. However, this doesn’t mean solar panels won’t be effective. Even with lower UV ratings, solar panels can still generate electricity and help you save money on your energy bills. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can take advantage of Bellingham’s sunlight to offset your electricity costs.
Bellingham’s Cloud Cover
Bellingham’s average cloud cover of 55% may seem high, but don’t let that deter you from considering solar panels. Although Bellingham ranks in the 88th percentile in the nation and the 74th percentile in Washington for cloud cover, solar panels can still be a viable option. With proper positioning and technology advancements, you can generate electricity even on cloudy days, making solar panels a reliable source of clean energy for your home.
Bellingham Washington Electricity Costs
Despite higher electricity costs compared to the national and state averages, Bellingham residents can still benefit from installing solar panels. With an average cost of $0.11/kw, Bellingham ranks in the 25th percentile in the nation and the 87th percentile in Washington. By making the switch to solar power, you can offset these costs and save money in the long run while also contributing to a more sustainable environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bellingham Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bellingham, 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:
- Bellingham gets slightly more rain than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Bellingham are a bit lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Bellingham is higher than the national average, with some days having very little sunshine.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Bellingham 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 amount needed from the grid.
- Even though electricity costs are slightly lower in Bellingham, the savings are still significant.
After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take approximately 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to outweigh the initial investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the long-term savings and benefits are substantial. It’s a wise financial and environmental decision to invest in solar energy in Bellingham!
Investing in solar power in Bellingham Washington
After examining the weather trends and electricity costs in Bellingham, Washington, it is evident that installing solar panels can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for residents. Despite the city’s high precipitation, lower UV ratings, and significant cloud cover, solar panels can still generate electricity and help save money on energy bills. With electricity costs slightly above the national average, making the switch to solar power can lead to substantial savings over time. By analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take around 6-7 years to break even on the initial investment in solar panels. With solar systems lasting up to 30 years, the long-term benefits are significant. Therefore, investing in solar energy in Bellingham can be a smart financial decision with positive implications for both your wallet and the environment.