Overview
Are you looking to save money on your electricity bills in Steilacoom, Washington? Solar panels might be the solution for you! By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Steilacoom, we can show you how a solar system can help you break even in a reasonable amount of time. Let’s explore the financial benefits of installing solar panels in your home.
Steilacoom Washington Weather Trends
Steilacoom Precipitation
With 47.06 inches of precipitation in the last year, Steilacoom is slightly above the national average of 50.61 inches but falls within the average range for Washington at 45.64 inches. This means that Steilacoom residents have access to enough rainfall to support solar panel efficiency without facing extreme weather conditions.
Steilacoom’s UV Rating
Steilacoom’s average UV rating of 3.65 is lower than the national average of 4.29 but surpasses Washington’s average of 3.64. The average max UV rating of 4.07 is also slightly below the national average of 4.61, but it falls within the normal range for the state. This indicates that solar panels in Steilacoom can still operate effectively and generate sufficient electricity.
Steilacoom’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 52% cloud cover, Steilacoom falls within the 80th percentile in the nation but around the middle for Washington. Despite this, the variation in cloud cover throughout the year provides opportunities for both sunlight and shade, ensuring that solar panels can function optimally while adapting to changing weather conditions.
Steilacoom Washington Electricity Costs
At $0.1/kw, Steilacoom residents pay the same as the Washington average but below the national average of $0.13/kw. This makes solar panel installation even more financially attractive, as the cost-saving benefits can be maximized in a region where electricity prices are already reasonable. By transitioning to solar energy, residents can not only save money but also contribute to a greener environment for future generations.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Steilacoom Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Steilacoom, 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:
- Steilacoom gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Steilacoom are slightly lower than the national average but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Steilacoom is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Steilacoom pay lower electricity rates 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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Steilacoom, the savings add up over time.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 8-10 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment at the same time!
Investing in solar power in Steilacoom Washington
Installing solar panels in Steilacoom, Washington can be a financially wise decision. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to the area, we have determined that residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in around 8-10 years. With lower precipitation, decent UV ratings, and reasonable electricity costs, switching to solar energy not only saves money but also contributes to a greener environment. It’s a win-win situation for both your wallet and the planet!