Overview
Living in Gig Harbor, Washington, installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the long run. By analyzing weather patterns and electricity costs specific to our area, we can estimate the financial benefits of going solar. With data on precipitation, UV ratings, cloud cover, and electricity rates, we can calculate the cost of a solar system and estimate how quickly you can break even on your investment. By the end of this article, you will have a clear understanding of the financial advantages of choosing solar energy for your home in Gig Harbor.
Gig Harbor Washington Weather Trends
Gig Harbor Precipitation
With Gig Harbor receiving 50.12 inches of precipitation in the last year, you might be wondering how this compares to the rest of the country and Washington. Gig Harbor falls in the 48th percentile nationally and the 56th percentile within Washington. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Washington’s average of 45.64 inches, it’s clear that our area sees a decent amount of rainfall.
Gig Harbor’s UV Rating
When it comes to UV ratings, Gig Harbor had an average rating of 3.61 in the last year. This puts Gig Harbor in the 24th percentile nationally and the 62nd percentile within Washington. Comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and Washington’s average of 3.64, our area receives a moderate amount of sun exposure. The average max UV rating of 4.03 falls in the 33rd percentile nationally and the 60th percentile within Washington.
Gig Harbor’s Cloud Cover
Gig Harbor experienced an average of 53% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 84th percentile nationally and the 56th percentile in Washington. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Washington’s average is slightly higher at 49.1%. With a good mix of cloud cover days, you’ll have plenty of sunlight for solar energy production.
Gig Harbor Washington Electricity Costs
Residents in Gig Harbor pay around $0.11/kw for electricity, which is below the national average of $0.13/kw. However, compared to Washington’s average of $0.1/kw, Gig Harbor falls above the state average. By investing in solar panels, you can take advantage of the sun’s energy to reduce your electricity bills even further, making it a financially wise decision for your home in Gig Harbor.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Gig Harbor Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Gig Harbor, 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:
- Gig Harbor gets almost the same amount of rain as the national average, which is good for keeping solar panels clean and efficient.
- The UV ratings in Gig Harbor are slightly lower than the national average, but still decent for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Gig Harbor is higher than the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Gig Harbor 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:
- By generating electricity from the sun, the amount purchased from the grid decreases, leading to cost savings.
- With Gig Harbor’s lower electricity rates, the savings may be slightly less compared to other areas.
After calculating, it seems like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after that time, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many years beyond that initial period. It’s a wise investment for both your finances and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Gig Harbor Washington
After analyzing the weather patterns, electricity costs, and financial benefits of installing solar panels in Gig Harbor, Washington, it becomes clear that going solar can be a smart decision for homeowners in the area. With moderate amounts of precipitation, sun exposure, and cloud cover, coupled with electricity rates below the national average, the cost savings from using solar power can help you break even on your investment within 6-7 years. Not only will you save money in the long run, but you will also contribute to a cleaner environment. Choosing solar energy for your home in Gig Harbor is a financially wise and environmentally-friendly choice that can have lasting benefits for years to come.