Overview
In Anchorage Alaska, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over a 365-day period, we can show you how much money you can save by making the switch to solar energy. With information on precipitation, UV ratings, cloud cover, and more, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate the time it will take to break even on your investment. Find out how going solar can benefit your wallet and the environment in the beautiful city of Anchorage.
Anchorage Alaska Weather Trends
Anchorage Precipitation
In the last year, Anchorage Alaska received 32.96 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 15th percentile in the nation and the 39th percentile in Alaska. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Alaska’s average of 57.06 inches, Anchorage experiences less precipitation. By installing solar panels, you can take advantage of the ample sunlight available in Anchorage to generate your own energy, reducing your reliance on traditional power sources.
Anchorage’s UV Rating
In the last year, Anchorage Alaska had an average UV rating of 2.16, positioning it in the 0th percentile in the nation and the 83rd percentile in Alaska. Although Anchorage receives lower UV ratings compared to the national average of 4.29 and Alaska’s average of 1.83, it still has enough sunlight to effectively power solar panels. With proper installation, you can harness the sun’s energy to save money on your electricity bills over time.
Anchorage’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Anchorage Alaska had an average of 64% cloud cover, ranking it in the 99th percentile in the nation and the 15th percentile in Alaska. While Anchorage may experience more cloud cover compared to the national average of 44.46% and Alaska’s average of 67.94%, solar panels can still generate electricity even on cloudy days. By utilizing solar energy, you can reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Anchorage Alaska Electricity Costs
Anchorage Alaska residents pay about $0.21/kw for electricity, placing it in the 99th percentile in the nation and the 33rd percentile in Alaska. With the national average for residential electricity at $0.13/kw and Alaska’s average at $0.34/kw, installing solar panels can significantly lower your monthly energy costs. By investing in solar energy, you can protect yourself against rising electricity prices and enjoy long-term financial savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Anchorage Alaska?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Anchorage, Alaska, 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:
- Anchorage gets less precipitation compared to the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Anchorage are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Anchorage is higher than the national average, which may impact solar panel productivity.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Anchorage pay more for electricity compared to the national average, which makes solar panels a cost-effective option.
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 buy from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- With Anchorage’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to exceed the initial investment. Since solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, you can enjoy substantial savings for many years after breaking even on the investment. Investing in solar power is not only financially beneficial but also environmentally friendly.
Investing in solar power in Anchorage Alaska
Installing solar panels in Anchorage, Alaska is a smart financial decision in the long run. By taking advantage of the city’s ample sunlight and higher electricity costs, homeowners can save money on their energy bills and break even on their investment in approximately 7 years. Even with higher cloud cover and lower UV ratings, solar panels can still generate electricity effectively. By investing in solar energy, not only can residents save money, but they can also contribute to a cleaner environment for years to come.