Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Washington, PA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Washington, PA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.4/10 1.7/10 5.1/10 3/10 2.1/10
OK 53% daily 4 inches monthly 3.7 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

If you are a Washington Pennsylvania resident interested in saving money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart investment. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar energy in Washington, using data on weather patterns and electricity costs specific to the area. By analyzing the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, we will show you how transitioning to solar power can lead to long-term savings for your household.

Washington Pennsylvania Weather Trends

Washington Precipitation

With Washington Pennsylvania receiving 50.48 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below both the national and state averages. This means that Washington residents can rely on consistent sunshine for solar energy production compared to other areas with higher precipitation levels. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can take advantage of the ample sunlight available in Washington to generate your electricity, leading to significant savings over time.

Washington’s UV Rating

Washington Pennsylvania’s average UV rating of 3.71 places it below the national average but slightly above the state average. This indicates that Washington receives a moderate amount of sunlight throughout the year, making it a viable location for solar panel installation. With an average max UV rating of 3.99, Washington offers sufficient sunlight exposure to maximize the efficiency of your solar panels, increasing the potential for long-term savings on your electricity bills.

Washington’s Cloud Cover

Despite having an average cloud cover of 53%, Washington Pennsylvania still offers plenty of clear days suitable for solar energy production. Although it ranks higher than both the national and state averages, Washington has numerous days with low to moderate cloud cover, providing ample opportunities for your solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. By capitalizing on these days, you can offset your reliance on the grid and decrease your overall electricity costs in the long run.

Washington Pennsylvania Electricity Costs

Residents of Washington Pennsylvania benefit from lower electricity costs, paying approximately $0.11/kw, which is below both the national and state averages. By transitioning to solar power, you can further reduce your energy expenses and protect yourself against future utility rate hikes. Additionally, with Washington’s favorable electricity rates, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial savings over the lifespan of your solar system.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Washington Pennsylvania?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Washington Pennsylvania, 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:

  • Washington Pennsylvania receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panels to function effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Washington Pennsylvania are a bit lower than the national average, but still adequate for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Washington Pennsylvania is higher than the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Washington Pennsylvania pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact the savings from using solar power.

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 need to purchase from the grid, especially considering the lower electricity costs in Washington Pennsylvania.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after that initial period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. And remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, guaranteeing savings for many years. Investing in solar power is not only a wise financial decision but also a step towards a greener and more sustainable future!

Investing in solar power in Washington Pennsylvania

Transitioning to solar energy in Washington Pennsylvania can be a financially sound decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. With ample sunlight available due to lower precipitation levels and sufficient UV ratings, solar panels can generate electricity efficiently. Despite higher cloud cover, there are still plenty of clear days for solar energy production. Coupled with lower electricity costs in Washington, investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings. With the initial cost of a solar system expected to be recouped in about 5 to 6 years, transitioning to solar power not only benefits your finances but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable future. Make the switch to solar energy today and start saving!