Overview
If you live in Long Beach, Washington, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By looking at weather data, electricity costs, and the cost of a solar system, we can estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. With ample sunshine, low precipitation, and moderate cloud cover in Long Beach, solar panels can help you save money on your electricity bill each month. Let’s explore the numbers to see how solar power can work for you.
Long Beach Washington Weather Trends
Long Beach Precipitation
With Long Beach, Washington receiving 83.87 inches of precipitation in the last year, residents must deal with more rain compared to the rest of the country. Long Beach ranks in the 98th percentile nationally and the 94th percentile within Washington when it comes to total precipitation. The national average for total precipitation stands at 50.61 inches, while Washington’s average is 45.64 inches. By investing in solar panels, residents can offset their electricity costs during the rainy season and take advantage of the abundant sunlight during the drier months.
Long Beach’s UV Rating
Long Beach, Washington had an average UV rating of 3.2 in the last year, placing it in the 7th percentile nationwide and the 11th percentile in Washington. The national average for average UV rating is 4.29, while Washington’s average is slightly lower at 3.64. Additionally, the average max UV rating in Long Beach was 3.19, ranking the city in the 11th percentile nationally and the 9th percentile within the state. By harnessing the power of the sun through solar panels, residents can take advantage of the moderate UV levels in Long Beach to generate clean and renewable energy for their homes.
Long Beach’s Cloud Cover
Long Beach, Washington experienced an average of 61% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 97th percentile nationally and the 98th percentile within Washington. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Washington’s average is slightly higher at 49.1%. Despite the high cloud cover, Long Beach residents still have ample sunlight to benefit from solar energy. By installing solar panels, residents can reduce their reliance on grid electricity, even on cloudy days, and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Long Beach Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Long Beach, Washington pay approximately $0.08/kw for electricity, ranking the city in the 1st percentile nationally and the 27th percentile within the state. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, with Washington’s average slightly lower at $0.1/kw. By transitioning to solar power, residents can not only reduce their carbon footprint but also save money on their electricity bills in the long run. With the combination of low electricity costs and ample sunshine, investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial benefits for households in Long Beach.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Long Beach Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Long Beach 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:
- Long Beach Washington gets more precipitation than the national average, but it still receives enough sunlight for solar panels to operate effectively.
- The UV ratings in Long Beach Washington are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Long Beach Washington is higher than the national average, varying across the year with some days having clearer skies than others.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Long Beach Washington pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar energy potentially more cost-effective.
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:
- Since solar panels generate electricity, the amount purchased from the grid decreases, resulting in cost savings.
- Considering Long Beach Washington’s lower electricity rates, the savings might accumulate at a slower rate compared to areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it might take around 10 years to recoup the initial expense of investing in solar panels in Long Beach Washington. Following this period, the reduced electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Furthermore, solar panels have a long lifespan, effectively extending the period of cost savings well beyond the break-even point. This not only offers financial benefits but also contributes positively towards the environment. It’s a wise decision for economic and environmental conservation.
Investing in solar power in Long Beach Washington
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Long Beach, Washington, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. Despite higher precipitation and cloud cover, the city still receives enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective. With electricity costs lower than the national average, transitioning to solar energy can provide financial benefits to residents. It is estimated that it may take around 10 years to break even on the initial investment in solar panels, after which the reduced electricity bills will continue to save money and benefit the environment. Choosing solar power in Long Beach is a smart choice for both economic and environmental conservation.