Overview
In this article, we will discuss the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Brush Prairie, Washington. By analyzing weather data such as precipitation levels, UV ratings, and cloud cover, we will show how these factors can impact your electricity costs and savings with a solar system. We will break down the cost of installing solar panels and estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Brush Prairie Washington Weather Trends
Brush Prairie Precipitation
With Brush Prairie receiving a significant 84.94 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area experiences more rain than most of the country, ranking in the 98th percentile nationally. Compared to Washington’s average of 45.64 inches, Brush Prairie’s higher precipitation levels indicate a great potential for generating solar power even on cloudy or rainy days.
Brush Prairie’s UV Rating
Despite being in the 22nd percentile nationwide for average UV rating, Brush Prairie’s solar potential is still strong with an average UV rating of 3.57. The area’s average max UV rating of 4.05, though lower than the national average, indicates that there is still plenty of sunlight to harness for solar energy. When compared to Washington’s averages, Brush Prairie stands out as a good location for solar panel installations.
Brush Prairie’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 54% cloud cover in the last year, Brush Prairie faces more cloudy days than most of the country, ranking in the 87th percentile nationally. Despite this, the area still offers opportunities for solar energy generation. By maximizing sun exposure on clear days and utilizing energy storage systems, Brush Prairie residents can benefit from solar power even with occasional cloud cover.
Brush Prairie Washington Electricity Costs
At $0.09/kw, Brush Prairie residents enjoy lower electricity costs compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. While the area ranks low in the nation at the 3rd percentile for electricity prices, there is still room for savings through solar panel installations. With Washington’s average at $0.1/kw, switching to solar can help Brush Prairie homeowners reduce their energy bills and take advantage of the area’s solar potential.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Brush Prairie Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Brush Prairie, Washington, 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:
- Brush Prairie receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Brush Prairie are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Brush Prairie is higher than the national average, which may impact the efficiency of solar panels on some days.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Brush Prairie pay slightly 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, reducing the amount needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- Considering the slightly lower electricity costs in Brush Prairie, the savings may be slightly lower compared to other areas.
After considering the weather, electricity costs, and energy generation potential, it looks like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Brush Prairie, Washington. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate, eventually paying off the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, ensuring long-term savings and environmental benefits.
Investing in solar power in Brush Prairie Washington
Installing solar panels in Brush Prairie, Washington can prove to be a smart financial decision in the long run. Despite the area’s higher precipitation levels and cloud cover, the average UV rating and slightly lower electricity costs make it a good location for solar panel installations. By breaking down the costs and estimating the time it would take to break even on the investment, we can see that it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost. After this period, homeowners can enjoy significant savings on their electricity bills while also contributing to a cleaner environment. With benefits that outweigh the initial investment, installing solar panels in Brush Prairie is a wise choice for residents looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.