Overview
In Tacoma, Washington, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we can show you how much you can benefit financially from making the switch to solar energy. With a breakdown of the costs of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you can see how investing in solar panels can pay off over time.
Tacoma Washington Weather Trends
Tacoma Precipitation
With Tacoma receiving 45.74 inches of precipitation in the last year, it ranks at the 39th percentile in the nation and the 48th percentile in Washington. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Tacoma sees slightly less rainfall on average. However, Washington’s average of 45.64 inches is very similar to Tacoma’s, showing that the region as a whole experiences comparable levels of precipitation.
Tacoma’s UV Rating
Over the last year, Tacoma had an average UV rating of 3.65, placing it in the 26th percentile nationally and the 67th percentile within Washington. While Tacoma’s UV rating is slightly lower than the national average of 4.29, it remains close to Washington’s average of 3.64. Additionally, Tacoma’s average max UV rating of 4.07 falls below the national average of 4.61, but is in line with Washington’s average. This suggests that Tacoma experiences moderate to high levels of UV radiation, which is ideal for generating solar energy.
Tacoma’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 52% in the last year, Tacoma ranks at the 80th percentile in the nation and the 49th percentile in Washington. Compared to the national average of 44.46%, Tacoma experiences cloudier skies on average. However, Washington’s average of 49.1% is similar to Tacoma’s cloud cover. The distribution of cloud cover days in Tacoma throughout the year provides a good balance for solar panel efficiency, with enough sunny days to generate ample energy.
Tacoma Washington Electricity Costs
Residents in Tacoma pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 16th percentile nationwide and the 79th percentile within Washington. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, Tacoma’s cost is lower. Washington’s average of $0.1/kw aligns with Tacoma’s, indicating that solar energy could offer substantial savings compared to traditional utility costs in the region.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Tacoma Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Tacoma, 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:
- Tacoma gets slightly less rainfall than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Tacoma are lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Tacoma is slightly higher than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Tacoma pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for savings with 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.
- With Tacoma’s lower electricity rates, the savings are slightly lower compared to other locations.
After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take around 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Tacoma. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many more years after the initial investment period. Investing in solar power is not only a smart financial choice, but also a sustainable one that benefits both your wallet and the environment.
Investing in solar power in Tacoma Washington
By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Tacoma, Washington, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial savings over time. With slightly lower rainfall, moderate UV ratings, and a good balance of cloud cover days, Tacoma is a suitable location for solar energy generation. Additionally, residents in Tacoma pay lower electricity costs compared to the national average, resulting in quicker returns on the initial investment in solar panels. Based on the data, it is estimated that it would take around 7 years to break even on the cost of a solar system in Tacoma. This indicates that switching to solar power is not only a wise financial decision but also a sustainable choice for the environment. The long-term benefits of investing in solar panels in Tacoma make it a valuable decision for homeowners looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.