Overview
Discover the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Cheney, Washington. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we break down the costs of a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even. With the average amount of sunshine and minimal cloud cover, investing in solar energy can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill over time.
Cheney Washington Weather Trends
Cheney Precipitation
With Cheney, Washington receiving 25.24 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 9th percentile nationwide and the 29th percentile within the state. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Washington’s average is slightly lower at 45.64 inches. Despite receiving less precipitation than many areas, Cheney still benefits from a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year.
Cheney’s UV Rating
Cheney, Washington had an average UV rating of 3.61 in the last year, placing it in the 24th percentile in the country and the 61st percentile in the state. While this rating is slightly lower compared to the national average of 4.29, Cheney’s UV exposure remains consistent with Washington’s average of 3.64. Additionally, Cheney’s average max UV rating of 3.94, though lower in percentile, is in line with the state average, making it a viable location for solar panel installation.
Cheney’s Cloud Cover
Over the last year, Cheney, Washington averaged 45% cloud cover, ranking it in the 53rd percentile nationwide and the 34th percentile within the state. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, slightly lower than Cheney’s. Washington’s average of 49.1% is also higher than Cheney’s, indicating that the area experiences less cloud cover. With a significant number of days having minimal cloud cover, Cheney offers optimal conditions for harnessing solar energy.
Cheney Washington Electricity Costs
Residents in Cheney, Washington pay around $0.09 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which places the city in the 3rd percentile nationwide and the 49th percentile within the state. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, Washington’s average is $0.1/kw, making Cheney a more affordable option. By investing in solar panels, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and save significantly on their energy bills over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Cheney Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Cheney 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:
- Cheney Washington receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Cheney Washington are slightly lower than the national average but still favorable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Cheney Washington is close to the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Cheney Washington pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for the return on investment in solar panels.
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 and saving costs.
- Given Cheney Washington’s lower electricity rates, the savings are significant over time.
After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels not only provides long-term financial benefits but also contributes to a cleaner environment. It’s a wise decision for both your wallet and the planet!
Investing in solar power in Cheney Washington
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Cheney, Washington, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings over time. With the area receiving moderate precipitation, favorable UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, solar energy generation is optimal. Additionally, residents pay lower than average electricity costs, making the return on investment for solar panels favorable. Based on the data, it would take approximately 6 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system. This investment not only provides long-term financial benefits but also contributes to a cleaner environment. Choosing solar energy is a smart decision for both your finances and the planet!