Overview
In sunny Kelso, Washington, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By looking at weather data and electricity costs, we can estimate the cost of a solar system, how long it will take to break even, and the ongoing savings you can enjoy. Let’s explore how going solar can benefit your wallet in the long run.
Kelso Washington Weather Trends
Kelso Precipitation
With 66.1 inches of precipitation in the last year, Kelso is above the national and state averages. By harnessing the power of the sun with solar panels, you can still generate electricity even on rainy days. This means you can continue to save on your energy bills regardless of the weather.
Kelso’s UV Rating
At an average UV rating of 3.53, Kelso falls below the national and state averages. However, this doesn’t mean solar panels won’t work well here. Even with lower UV levels, the panels can still generate electricity and save you money in the long run. Investing in solar power can still be a wise financial decision.
Kelso’s Cloud Cover
With an average 57% cloud cover, Kelso sees more clouds than the national and state averages. While this may impact the efficiency of solar panels, with proper installation and positioning, you can still benefit from solar energy. By reducing your reliance on traditional electricity sources, you can save money and help the environment.
Kelso Washington Electricity Costs
With electricity costs at $0.09/kw, Kelso residents pay less than the national average. By installing solar panels, you can further decrease your electricity bills and achieve long-term savings. With the abundance of sunshine in Kelso, you can take advantage of solar energy to power your home efficiently and affordably.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Kelso Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Kelso, 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:
- Kelso, Washington receives more precipitation than the national average, but still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Kelso, Washington are slightly lower than the national average, but are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Kelso, Washington is higher than the national average, which may affect solar panel efficiency on certain days.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Kelso, Washington pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact 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:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the amount purchased from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Kelso, Washington, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take approximately 10 years to break even on the initial investment for the solar panels. This means that after 10 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to compensate for the cost of the solar system. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is both a financially prudent decision and an environmentally friendly choice in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Kelso Washington
After analyzing the data for Kelso, Washington, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial benefits in the long run. Despite a higher-than-average precipitation rate and lower UV ratings, solar panels still have the potential to generate electricity and save you money on energy bills. With electricity costs lower than the national average, Kelso residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 10 years. This means that after this initial period, the ongoing savings will continue to accumulate, making solar energy a wise financial decision for homeowners in Kelso. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.