Overview
Are you a Clarkston, Washington resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Clarkston, we will show you how much money you can save by switching to solar energy. Let’s break down the costs of a solar system and estimate how quickly you can break even on your investment.
Clarkston Washington Weather Trends
Clarkston Precipitation
Clarkston, Washington received 21.71 inches of precipitation in the last year, ranking it in the 7th percentile nationally and the 21st percentile within Washington. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, and Washington’s average of 45.64 inches, Clarkston receives significantly less rain. With less precipitation, solar panels in Clarkston are exposed to fewer cloudy days, allowing for more consistent energy production throughout the year.
Clarkston’s UV Rating
In the last year, Clarkston, Washington had an average UV rating of 4.07, placing it in the 49th percentile nationally and the 88th percentile within Washington. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and Washington’s average of 3.64, Clarkston experiences moderate to high solar exposure. This means that installing solar panels in Clarkston can efficiently generate electricity, given the favorable UV rating in the region.
Clarkston’s Cloud Cover
Clarkston, Washington had an average of 42% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 41st percentile nationally and the 26th percentile within Washington. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Washington’s average of 49.1%, Clarkston has relatively clear skies. Having less cloud cover means that solar panels in Clarkston receive more direct sunlight, maximizing energy production and potential savings on electricity bills.
Clarkston Washington Electricity Costs
Clarkston residents pay about $0.09 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing the city in the 2nd percentile nationally and the 41st percentile within Washington. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Washington’s average of $0.1/kw, Clarkston enjoys lower electricity costs. With affordable electricity rates and favorable weather conditions, investing in solar panels in Clarkston can lead to substantial long-term savings and environmental benefits.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Clarkston Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Clarkston 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:
- Clarkston Washington receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels to function effectively.
- The UV ratings in Clarkston Washington are slightly below the national average but are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Clarkston Washington is slightly lower than the national average, making it a good location for solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Clarkston Washington pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which could impact the savings from using 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount purchased from the grid and saving money on electric bills.
- Since Clarkston Washington has lower electricity rates, the savings may not be as significant compared to other locations.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it might take around 6-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Clarkston Washington. This means that after 6-8 years, the accumulated savings on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, the savings will continue for many years. Investing in solar energy is a wise financial decision that not only saves money but also benefits the environment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Clarkston Washington
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Clarkston, Washington, it is evident that installing solar panels can lead to substantial savings on electricity bills. With the region receiving less precipitation, moderate to high solar exposure, and minimal cloud cover, solar panels in Clarkston are poised to efficiently generate electricity throughout the year. Coupled with lower electricity costs compared to the national average, investing in solar energy in Clarkston can result in breaking even on the initial cost within 6-8 years. This long-term financial benefit, along with environmental advantages, makes the switch to solar power a smart decision for Clarkston residents looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.