Overview
Are you a Beaverton Oregon resident looking to save money on your electricity bill? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart investment. By analyzing weather data specific to Beaverton, such as average UV rating and cloud cover, we can estimate the financial benefits of going solar. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even, helping you make an informed decision about whether solar is right for you.
Beaverton Oregon Weather Trends
Beaverton Precipitation
With Beaverton receiving 52.22 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that this area experiences a fair amount of rainy weather. However, compared to the rest of the country, Beaverton falls just above the national average of 50.61 inches. In Oregon, Beaverton is slightly below the state average of 54.5 inches. Despite the rainy conditions, solar panels can still be a beneficial investment for Beaverton residents looking to save on their electricity bills.
Beaverton’s UV Rating
Beaverton’s average UV rating of 3.75 places it in the lower percentile nationally but slightly above the state average. When it comes to maximizing UV exposure, Beaverton’s max UV rating of 4.24 is closer to the national average. While Beaverton may not have the sunniest climate, solar panels can still generate significant energy savings over time, making them a viable option for residents in this area.
Beaverton’s Cloud Cover
Beaverton’s average cloud cover of 51% suggests that the area experiences overcast conditions for a significant portion of the year. Despite this, solar panels can still produce electricity under cloudy skies, making them a practical choice for Beaverton residents. Although Beaverton has more cloudy days compared to the national and state averages, investing in solar panels can help offset electricity costs and reduce dependency on the grid.
Beaverton Oregon Electricity Costs
Beaverton residents pay approximately $0.13/kw for electricity, which is in line with the national average. Compared to the rest of Oregon, Beaverton’s electricity costs are slightly higher than the state average of $0.11/kw. By installing solar panels, Beaverton residents can take control of their energy expenses and potentially see long-term savings on their electricity bills. With the abundance of rainy days and moderate UV ratings, solar panels offer a sustainable solution to reducing energy costs in Beaverton.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Beaverton Oregon?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Beaverton, 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:
- Beaverton gets slightly more rainfall than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Beaverton are a bit lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Beaverton is higher than the national average, with significant variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Beaverton pay about the national average price for electricity.
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 it from the grid.
- Since Beaverton has average electricity costs, the savings from using solar power would be consistent over the years.
After analyzing the numbers, it seems like it would take approximately 5 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills would start to accumulate and compensate for the investment. Moreover, considering the longevity of solar panels, these savings would continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar energy not only saves money but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Beaverton Oregon
Installing solar panels in Beaverton, Oregon can be a smart investment for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. Despite the rainy weather and higher cloud cover in the area, solar panels can still generate significant energy savings over time. By breaking down the costs of a solar system and estimating the time it would take to break even, residents can make an informed decision about whether solar is right for them. With an estimated break-even period of 5 to 6 years, investing in solar energy not only offers financial benefits but also contributes to environmental sustainability for years to come.