Overview
If you live in Washougal, Washington, and you are looking to save money on your electricity bill, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart investment. By analyzing weather data specific to Washougal, along with basic electricity costs, we will show you how much you can potentially save by switching to solar power. We will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate the time it will take for you to break even, making it clear how financially beneficial solar energy can be for your home in Washougal.
Washougal Washington Weather Trends
Washougal Precipitation
In the last year, Washougal Washington received 73.69 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 93rd percentile in the nation and the 84th percentile in Washington. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Washington’s average of 45.64 inches, Washougal experiences significantly more rainfall. With such abundant rainfall, installing solar panels can help you take advantage of the energy from the sun even during rainy seasons.
Washougal’s UV Rating
In the last year, Washougal Washington had an average UV rating of 3.28, putting it in the 10th percentile in the nation and the 16th percentile in Washington. The national average UV rating is 4.29, while Washington’s average is 3.64. With a decent amount of sunlight throughout the year, even though it may not be as high as in other parts of the country, installing solar panels can still be a worthwhile investment for your home in Washougal.
Washougal’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 47% cloud cover in the last year, Washougal Washington ranks in the 61st percentile in the nation and the 38th percentile in Washington. While Washington generally has higher cloud cover compared to the national average, Washougal’s cloud cover is within a favorable range for solar energy production. Having a good amount of clear days, particularly the 149 days with between 0% and 25% cloud cover, makes Washougal suitable for solar panel installation.
Washougal Washington Electricity Costs
Residents in Washougal Washington pay approximately $0.09/kw for electricity, which is below the national average of $0.13/kw and slightly lower than Washington’s average of $0.1/kw. With lower electricity costs, transitioning to solar power can further reduce your monthly expenses and provide long-term savings for your household. By investing in solar panels, you can take advantage of the cost-effective energy source available in the Washougal area.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Washougal Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Washougal, 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:
- Washougal gets more precipitation than the national average, but it still receives enough sun for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Washougal are slightly lower than the national average, but they’re still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Washougal is around average for the country, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Washougal pay 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 needed from the grid.
- Since Washougal has lower electricity rates, the savings may be less compared to other locations.
After analyzing the figures, it appears that it might take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so beyond that period, you’ll continue to benefit from those savings for many years. It’s a wise financial and eco-friendly choice!
Investing in solar power in Washougal Washington
In conclusion, installing solar panels on your home in Washougal, Washington, can be a financially beneficial decision. With the ample rainfall and sun exposure in the area, along with lower electricity costs compared to the national average, transitioning to solar power can lead to significant savings over time. By investing in a solar system, you could potentially break even in 6-7 years and continue to benefit from reduced electricity bills for many years to come. Make the smart choice for your wallet and the environment by considering solar energy for your home in Washougal.