Overview
If you live in East Olympia, Washington, installing solar panels on your home can save you a significant amount of money on electricity bills. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we can show you how a solar system can pay for itself over time. With information on average precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, you can make an informed decision to invest in solar energy and start reaping the financial benefits.
East Olympia Washington Weather Trends
East Olympia Precipitation
With 56.5 inches of precipitation in the last year, East Olympia is in the 63rd percentile across the nation and the 67th percentile in Washington. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and Washington’s average is 45.64 inches. Despite the higher levels of precipitation in East Olympia, installing solar panels can still significantly reduce your electricity costs over time.
East Olympia’s UV Rating
East Olympia had an average UV rating of 3.52 in the last year, placing it in the 20th percentile in the nation and the 44th percentile in Washington. In comparison, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, and Washington’s average is 3.64. While East Olympia may not have the highest UV ratings, solar panels can still be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly option for your home.
East Olympia’s Cloud Cover
East Olympia had an average of 57% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 92nd percentile nationally and the 85th percentile in Washington. The national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, and Washington’s average is 49.1%. Despite the high cloud cover in East Olympia, solar panels can still generate significant savings on your electricity bills, especially during sunny days.
East Olympia Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of East Olympia pay around $0.11/kw for electricity, placing them in the 25th percentile nationwide and the 87th percentile in Washington. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Washington’s average is $0.1/kw. With relatively lower electricity costs in East Olympia, investing in solar panels can help you save money in the long run while reducing your carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in East Olympia Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in East Olympia 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:
- East Olympia Washington receives slightly more precipitation than the national average but still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in East Olympia Washington are slightly lower than the national average but are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in East Olympia Washington is higher than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in East Olympia 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 amount purchased from the grid.
- Even with slightly lower electricity rates in East Olympia Washington, the savings can still be substantial.
After evaluating the numbers, it appears that it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And keep in mind, solar panels have a long lifespan, so beyond that initial period, the savings will continue for many years. Investing in solar panels is not only a wise financial decision but also a step towards a more sustainable future!
Investing in solar power in East Olympia Washington
Based on the weather trends and electricity costs in East Olympia, Washington, investing in solar panels can be a smart decision for homeowners. Despite higher levels of precipitation and lower UV ratings compared to national averages, solar panels can still generate significant savings on electricity bills. With lower electricity costs in the area, the initial investment in solar panels can be recouped in around 4-5 years, after which homeowners can enjoy long-term financial benefits and contribute to a more sustainable future. Consider installing solar panels on your home in East Olympia to save money and reduce your carbon footprint!