Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Bend, OR: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Bend, OR at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.1/10 8.5/10 9.2/10 1.7/10 1.2/10
Not Bad 36% daily 2 inches monthly 3.5 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Are you a Bend Oregon resident looking to save money on your electricity bill? Installing solar panels on your home could be a wise financial decision. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Bend, we can show you how a solar system can help you break even in a reasonable amount of time. With an overview of the cost of installation and the potential savings on your electricity bills, you’ll see just how beneficial solar panels can be for your wallet.

Bend Oregon Weather Trends

Bend Precipitation

Bend Oregon received 23.56 inches of precipitation in the last year, which is below both the national and Oregon averages. With lower rainfall than most areas, Bend is an ideal location for installing solar panels to take advantage of the abundant sunshine.

Bend’s UV Rating

In the last year, Bend Oregon had an average UV rating of 3.45, placing it slightly below the national and Oregon averages. However, with a high max UV rating of 3.83, Bend receives ample sunlight that can be harnessed through solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.

Bend’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 36% cloud cover in Bend Oregon, residents experience fewer cloudy days compared to the national and Oregon averages. This means that solar panels can consistently generate electricity throughout the year, making them a reliable source of energy for your home.

Bend Oregon Electricity Costs

Residents in Bend pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, which is lower than the national average and on par with the Oregon average. By installing solar panels, you can offset your electricity costs and potentially start saving money on your monthly bills in the long run.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bend Oregon?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bend 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:

  • Bend Oregon receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Bend Oregon are slightly below the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power efficiently.
  • Cloud cover in Bend Oregon is lower than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Bend Oregon pay less 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 reduces the amount that needs to be purchased from the grid.
  • With Bend Oregon’s lower electricity rates, the savings are significant.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start accumulating, and the investment will begin to pay off. Considering the long lifespan of solar panels, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar power is a wise financial and environmental decision for residents of Bend Oregon!

Investing in solar power in Bend Oregon

By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Bend Oregon, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a beneficial investment for residents looking to save money. With lower precipitation, ample sunlight, and fewer cloudy days, Bend is an ideal location for harnessing solar power. Additionally, residents in Bend pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making the potential savings even greater. Based on the calculations, it would take around 5 years to break even on the initial cost of solar panels. This means that the investment will pay off in the long run, providing both financial and environmental benefits for homeowners in Bend Oregon.