Overview
Living in Beaver, Alaska, you might be wondering if installing solar panels on your home is a worthwhile investment. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to Beaver, we can show you how much money you could save and how quickly you could break even on the cost of a solar system. With the potential for significant financial benefits, it’s worth considering making the switch to solar energy for your home.
Beaver Alaska Weather Trends
Beaver Precipitation
In the last year Beaver Alaska received 11.3 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 1st percentile in Alaska. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Beaver’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation, as less rain means more sunlight for your panels to harness.
Beaver’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 1.58, Beaver Alaska falls in the 0th percentile nationwide and the 32nd percentile in Alaska. Despite lower UV levels than the national average of 4.29, the extended daylight hours in Alaska make it a prime location for solar energy production. The average max UV rating of 2.45 in Beaver further enhances the effectiveness of solar panels in this region.
Beaver’s Cloud Cover
Having an average of 67% cloud cover, Beaver is in the 99th percentile in the nation and the 40th percentile in Alaska. Although Beaver experiences frequent cloud cover, the sheer number of daylight hours in Alaska more than compensates for this. Even with varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year, solar panels can still generate significant amounts of electricity.
Beaver Alaska Electricity Costs
Residents of Beaver pay about $0.25/kw for electricity, placing them in the 100th percentile in the nation and the 67th percentile in Alaska. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Beaver’s electricity costs are relatively high. By investing in solar panels, residents can reduce their reliance on grid electricity and save money in the long run while also contributing to a cleaner environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Beaver Alaska?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Beaver 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:
- Beaver Alaska receives significantly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Beaver Alaska are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Beaver Alaska is higher than the national average, with a majority of days having between 75% and 100% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Beaver Alaska pay more for electricity compared to the national average.
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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
- With Beaver Alaska’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even greater.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Beaver Alaska. This means that after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Installing solar panels is a wise choice to save money and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Beaver Alaska
Considering the weather trends in Beaver Alaska and the high electricity costs for residents, investing in solar panels is a smart decision. With lower precipitation levels, sufficient UV ratings, and despite high cloud cover, solar panels in Beaver can generate significant electricity. Additionally, the savings on electricity bills could allow homeowners to break even on the initial cost of the solar system in just 4-5 years. This sustainable investment not only saves money in the long run but also contributes to a cleaner environment for future generations to come.