Overview
Are you a Kingston Washington homeowner looking to make a smart financial investment while also helping the environment? In this article, we will explore the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Kingston, Washington. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. Get ready to discover how going solar can save you money in the long run!
Kingston Washington Weather Trends
Kingston Precipitation
In the last year, Kingston Washington received 46.46 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 41st percentile in the nation and the 49th percentile in Washington. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Washington’s average is 45.64 inches. Despite being slightly below the national average, Kingston still sees a significant amount of rain, making it a viable location for harnessing solar energy.
Kingston’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.41 in the last year, Kingston Washington falls in the 15th percentile in the nation and the 25th percentile in Washington. In comparison, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, and Washington’s average is 3.64. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 3.7 in Kingston places it in the 23rd percentile nationwide and the 27th percentile in Washington. These UV ratings indicate that Kingston receives sufficient sunlight for efficient solar panel operation.
Kingston’s Cloud Cover
Over the past year, Kingston Washington had an average cloud cover of 56%, placing it in the 90th percentile nationwide and the 81st percentile in Washington. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, with Washington averaging 49.1%. Kingston experienced a variety of cloud cover levels, with 84 days of low cloud cover, 72 days of moderate cloud cover, 69 days of high cloud cover, and 139 days of complete cloud cover. Despite cloud cover fluctuations, solar panels can still generate significant energy in Kingston.
Kingston Washington Electricity Costs
Kingston residents pay approximately $0.11 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, positioning the city in the 25th percentile nationwide and the 87th percentile in Washington. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity costs is $0.13/kw, with Washington’s average at $0.1/kw. With relatively lower electricity costs compared to national averages, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial savings on energy bills over time in Kingston.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Kingston Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Kingston 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:
- Kingston Washington receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Kingston are a bit lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Kingston is higher than the national average, with a significant number of days having between 75% and 100% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Kingston Washington 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 electricity from the grid.
- With electricity costs in Kingston being slightly lower, the savings may not be as significant as in other locations.
After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Kingston Washington. This means that after this initial period, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and eventually pay off the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, there will be many years of savings to enjoy beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar energy not only saves money but also contributes to a greener environment.
Investing in solar power in Kingston Washington
Installing solar panels in Kingston, Washington can be a beneficial financial investment. By analyzing the weather trends specific to the area and the electricity costs, it is evident that solar energy can lead to substantial savings on energy bills over time. With a break-even point estimated at around 6-7 years and solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, homeowners can enjoy many years of financial benefits and contribute to a greener environment. Consider going solar in Kingston to save money in the long run!