Overview
In Albion, Washington, installing solar panels on your home can be a smart financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, it is clear that Albion’s high levels of sunshine make it an ideal location for solar energy. With the cost of solar systems decreasing, homeowners can expect to break even on their investment in a reasonable amount of time, ultimately saving money on their electricity bills in the long run.
Albion Washington Weather Trends
Albion Precipitation
With an annual precipitation rate of 27.59 inches, Albion Washington is in the 10th percentile in the nation and the 32nd percentile in Washington. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and Washington’s average is 45.64 inches. This means that Albion receives less rain compared to most areas in the country and the state.
Albion’s UV Rating
Albion Washington had an average UV rating of 3.66, placing it in the 27th percentile nationally and the 71st percentile in Washington. In comparison, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, while Washington’s average is 3.64. Additionally, Albion’s average max UV rating of 3.99 puts it in the 31st percentile nationally and the 55th percentile in Washington.
Albion’s Cloud Cover
Albion Washington experienced an average cloud cover of 43% in the past year, ranking it in the 47th percentile nationally and the 29th percentile in Washington. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Washington’s average is slightly higher at 49.1%. With a good amount of clear days, Albion offers ample sunshine for solar energy generation.
Albion Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Albion pay approximately $0.09/kw for electricity, placing them in the 3rd percentile nationally and the 49th percentile in Washington. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Washington’s average is $0.1/kw. By switching to solar power, Albion homeowners can significantly reduce their electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable future.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Albion Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Albion 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:
- Albion Washington receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good candidate for solar energy production.
- The UV ratings in Albion Washington are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Albion Washington is slightly lower than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Albion Washington pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect the savings from 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 need to purchase from the grid.
- With Albion Washington’s lower electricity rates, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it may take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Albion Washington. This means that after this time period, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings accumulated after this initial period will be beneficial for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is not only economically sound but also environmentally friendly, providing a sustainable solution for energy needs.
Investing in solar power in Albion Washington
Overall, installing solar panels in Albion, Washington can be a wise financial choice due to the region’s high levels of sunshine and lower electricity costs. With the potential to break even on the investment in approximately 7-8 years, homeowners can look forward to long-term savings and a more sustainable energy future. By harnessing solar power, residents in Albion can not only save money on their electricity bills but also contribute to reducing their carbon footprint, making it a smart and eco-friendly decision for the long run.