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Solar and Electricity Data for Boise, ID: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Boise, ID at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.8/10 7.2/10 0.7/10 9.9/10 1/10
Not Bad 40% daily 6 inches monthly 6.8 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Discover how installing solar panels on your Boise Idaho home can save you money in the long run. By examining weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, you can see the financial benefits of switching to solar power. With a breakdown of solar system costs and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you can make an informed decision to potentially lower your energy bills and contribute to a greener environment.

Boise Idaho Weather Trends

Boise Precipitation

With Boise’s high annual precipitation of 73.7 inches, which is in the 93rd percentile in the nation and the 99th percentile in Idaho, harnessing solar power can help offset those rainy days. In comparison, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Idaho’s average is 34.83 inches. By utilizing solar panels, you can take advantage of the sunlight during rainy seasons to generate your own electricity.

Boise’s UV Rating

Boise boasts an impressive average UV rating of 6.78, ranking in the 99th percentile in the country and the 100th percentile in Idaho. In contrast, the national average UV rating is 4.29, and Idaho’s average is 3.63. With a high average maximum UV rating of 7.25, which is in the 95th percentile in the nation and the 100th percentile in Idaho, solar panels in Boise can efficiently capture sunlight to power your home throughout the year.

Boise’s Cloud Cover

Boise experiences an average cloud cover of 40%, placing it in the 28th percentile nationally and the 32nd percentile within Idaho. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Idaho’s average of 44.04%, Boise enjoys relatively clear skies for solar panel efficiency. With a considerable number of days featuring low to moderate cloud cover, solar panels on your home can consistently generate electricity, reducing your reliance on the grid.

Boise Idaho Electricity Costs

Boise residents benefit from affordable electricity costs at around $0.1/kw, ranking in the 10th percentile nationwide and the 70th percentile in Idaho. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, and Idaho’s average of $0.1/kw, transitioning to solar power can provide substantial long-term savings on your energy bills. By investing in solar panels for your home, you can take control of your electricity expenses and contribute to a more sustainable environment.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Boise Idaho?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Boise Idaho, 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:

  • Boise Idaho gets more precipitation than the national average, but it still has plenty of sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Boise Idaho are higher than the national average, making it a great location for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Boise Idaho is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Boise Idaho pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for the savings from using 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 to be purchased from the grid.
  • With Boise Idaho’s lower electricity rates, the savings are significant over time.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Boise Idaho. This means, after 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is a wise choice to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Boise Idaho

Overall, installing solar panels on your Boise Idaho home can be a financially beneficial decision. By taking into account the weather trends specific to the area, such as high UV ratings and lower cloud cover, along with affordable electricity costs, transitioning to solar power can lead to significant long-term savings. With an estimated break-even point of around 8 years for a standard solar system, the initial investment can be quickly recuperated, resulting in ongoing savings and a positive impact on the environment. Make the switch to solar power and start saving on your energy bills today!