Overview
In Paterson, Washington, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. With ample sunlight and low precipitation levels, Paterson is an ideal location for solar energy production. This article will break down the cost of a solar system and demonstrate the financial benefits of making the switch to solar power in Paterson.
Paterson Washington Weather Trends
Paterson Precipitation
With Paterson, Washington receiving only 9.48 inches of precipitation in the last year, the area stands in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 0th percentile in Washington. This low level of rainfall sets Paterson apart from both the national average of 50.61 inches and Washington’s average of 45.64 inches. The scarcity of precipitation makes Paterson an ideal location for solar energy production, as sunny days are abundant.
Paterson’s UV Rating
Paterson, Washington boasts an average UV rating of 4.45, positioning it in the 63rd percentile in the nation and the 96th percentile in Washington. Comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and Washington’s average of 3.64, Paterson receives a significant amount of sunlight. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 4.84, Paterson surpasses both the national and state averages, indicating ample sunlight for solar energy generation.
Paterson’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Paterson, Washington had an average cloud cover of 35%, placing it in the 14th percentile in the nation and the 4th percentile in Washington. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Washington’s average of 49.1%, Paterson experiences fewer cloudy days, enhancing the efficiency of solar panels. With a lower cloud cover percentage, residents can expect more sunlight to convert into electricity throughout the year.
Paterson Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Paterson, Washington pay approximately $0.09/kw for electricity, ranking the area in the 1st percentile nationally and the 33rd percentile in Washington. When compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Washington’s average of $0.1/kw, Paterson’s electricity costs are lower, making the transition to solar energy an even more financially appealing option. By installing solar panels, homeowners can significantly reduce their electricity expenses over time while contributing to a greener environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Paterson Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Paterson, 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:
- Paterson receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings are slightly higher than the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Paterson is lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Paterson 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 to be bought from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Paterson, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost.
After working through the calculations, it seems that it could take around 7-8 years to recover the initial investment in solar panels in Paterson. Despite the longer payback period, the long lifespan of solar panels means you’ll continue to benefit from savings for many years after that. It’s a wise investment that not only saves money but also helps the environment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Paterson Washington
With ample sunlight, low precipitation levels, and affordable electricity costs, Paterson, Washington is an ideal location for installing solar panels. By analyzing the weather data and electricity expenses specific to the area, we have determined that homeowners can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 7-8 years. Although the initial payback period may seem long, the long lifespan of solar panels ensures that residents will continue to enjoy financial savings and environmental benefits for many years to come. Making the switch to solar power in Paterson is a smart decision that brings both economic and ecological advantages.