Overview
In Arlington, Oregon, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can estimate how long it will take for a solar system to pay for itself. With inches of precipitation, average UV ratings, and cloud cover taken into account, we can show you the potential benefits of making the switch to solar power in Arlington.
Arlington Oregon Weather Trends
Arlington Precipitation
In the last year, Arlington Oregon received 16.76 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 4th percentile nationally and the 7th percentile within Oregon. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Oregon’s average of 54.5 inches, Arlington experiences significantly less rainfall. With a drier climate, installing solar panels can be more effective in Arlington compared to other regions with higher precipitation levels.
Arlington’s UV Rating
In the last year, Arlington Oregon had an average UV rating of 3.99, positioning it in the 45th percentile nationally and the 90th percentile within Oregon. While Arlington receives slightly less sunlight compared to the national average of 4.29, its higher ranking within the state indicates favorable conditions for solar panel installation. With a good amount of sunlight available, solar panels in Arlington can efficiently harness solar energy to generate electricity.
Arlington’s Cloud Cover
On average, Arlington Oregon had 37% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 18th percentile nationally and the 9th percentile within Oregon. With fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46% and Oregon’s average of 46.8%, Arlington offers more opportunities for solar panels to operate effectively. Less cloud cover means higher solar energy absorption, leading to increased electricity production from solar panels in Arlington.
Arlington Oregon Electricity Costs
Arlington Oregon residents pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 25th percentile nationally and the 73rd percentile within Oregon. With residential electricity costs lower than the national average of $0.13/kw and on par with Oregon’s average of $0.11/kw, Arlington residents can benefit financially from installing solar panels. By generating their electricity through solar power, residents can reduce their reliance on the grid and potentially save money on their energy bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Arlington Oregon?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Arlington, Oregon, 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:
- Arlington, Oregon receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panel installation.
- The UV ratings in Arlington are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Arlington is lower than the national average, with a majority of days having less than 25% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Arlington, Oregon pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for savings with 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 amount needed from the grid and leading to savings on electricity bills.
- With Arlington’s lower electricity rates, the savings from solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, it’s estimated that it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will exceed the investment cost. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years to come, making it a wise financial and environmental decision.
Investing in solar power in Arlington Oregon
In conclusion, installing solar panels in Arlington, Oregon can be a smart financial decision. With lower precipitation levels, decent UV ratings, and less cloud cover compared to national averages, Arlington is a favorable location for solar panel installation. Additionally, residents in Arlington pay slightly lower electricity costs, further increasing the potential savings from using solar power. Based on the analysis, it is estimated that homeowners in Arlington could break even on their investment in solar panels within 7-8 years. With solar systems lasting 25-30 years, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make switching to solar power a wise choice for Arlington residents.