Overview
This article will show you why installing solar panels on your home in Burien, Washington can be a smart financial decision. By looking at weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will provide you with a breakdown of the costs associated with a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. With the potential for significant savings on your electricity bills, going solar may be the key to long-term financial benefits for you and your family.
Burien Washington Weather Trends
Burien Precipitation
With Burien Washington receiving 47.01 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 42nd percentile in the nation and the 50th percentile in Washington. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Washington’s average is 45.64 inches. By harnessing this rainfall through solar panels, you can generate clean energy for your home.
Burien’s UV Rating
In the last year, Burien Washington had an average UV rating of 3.53, placing it in the 20th percentile in the nation and the 46th percentile in Washington. The national average for UV rating sits at 4.29, with Washington’s average at 3.64. Solar panels can still be efficient under such conditions, converting sunlight into electricity even on days with lower UV ratings.
Burien’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 54% in Burien Washington, which is higher than the national average of 44.46% and Washington’s average of 49.1%, solar panels can still be a viable option. With various days providing different levels of sun exposure, you can capitalize on the clearer days to generate electricity and save on your energy bills.
Burien Washington Electricity Costs
Residents in Burien pay around $0.11/kw for electricity, placing it in the 25th percentile in the nation and the 87th percentile in Washington. Comparing this to the national average of $0.13/kw and Washington’s average of $0.1/kw, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant savings in the long run. By producing your own electricity, you can hedge against rising utility costs and contribute to a cleaner environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Burien Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Burien 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:
- Burien Washington gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- Although the UV ratings are lower than the national average, they are still good for generating solar power efficiently.
- The cloud cover in Burien Washington is slightly higher than the national average, with a varying range throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Burien Washington 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.
- With slightly lower electricity rates in Burien Washington, the savings from solar power may take a bit longer to cover the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it seems that it could take around 6-7 years to cover the initial investment of the solar panels in Burien Washington. This means that after this period, the savings from reduced electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the cost. And don’t forget, the solar panels have a long lifespan, so those savings will continue for many years. It’s a wise investment for both your wallet and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Burien Washington
Installing solar panels in Burien, Washington can be a wise financial decision due to the region’s weather trends and electricity costs. Despite varying levels of precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, solar panels can still generate clean energy efficiently. Residents in Burien pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar power a cost-effective option. Based on the analysis, it may take around 6-7 years to break even on the initial investment in solar panels. After this period, the savings from reduced electricity bills will accumulate, providing long-term financial benefits. Investing in solar energy is not only good for your wallet but also for the environment, making it a smart choice for homeowners in Burien, Washington.