Overview
If you’re a Cle Elum Washington resident looking to save money on your electricity bills, consider installing solar panels on your home. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Cle Elum, we’ll show you how much you can save with a solar system. With the right information, you can make an informed decision on whether or not to go solar, and start seeing financial benefits sooner than you may think.
Cle Elum Washington Weather Trends
Cle Elum Precipitation
With an annual rainfall of 33.77 inches, Cle Elum is drier than most areas in the nation, ranking in the 16th percentile. Compared to the rest of Washington, Cle Elum falls in the 41st percentile. This lower precipitation level means that solar panels in Cle Elum are less likely to be obstructed by rain, allowing for more efficient energy production.
Cle Elum’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.12, Cle Elum receives less sun exposure compared to most areas in the nation, placing it in the 5th percentile. In Washington, Cle Elum ranks in the 4th percentile for UV rating. Despite this, Cle Elum still receives a substantial amount of sunlight, making it a viable location for solar panel installation to generate clean energy for your home.
Cle Elum’s Cloud Cover
At an average of 48% cloud cover, Cle Elum experiences slightly more clouds compared to the national average of 44.46%. In Washington, Cle Elum ranks in the 41st percentile for cloud cover. However, Cle Elum still has a significant number of days with clear skies, providing ample opportunities for solar energy production without obstruction from clouds.
Cle Elum Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Cle Elum pay about $0.08/kw for electricity, making it one of the most affordable areas in the nation, ranking in the 1st percentile. In Washington, Cle Elum falls in the 14th percentile for residential electricity costs. With such low rates, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings on your electricity bills, allowing you to take control of your energy expenses and reduce your carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Cle Elum Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Cle Elum, 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:
- Cle Elum gets less rain than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Cle Elum are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Cle Elum is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Cle Elum pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for 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:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the need to buy from the grid.
- With Cle Elum’s lower electricity rates, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it might take around 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. And keep in mind, solar panels have a long lifespan, so beyond that initial period, the savings will continue for many years. It’s a wise choice for saving money and contributing to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Cle Elum Washington
Installing solar panels in Cle Elum, Washington can be a financially beneficial decision for residents. With lower precipitation levels, a moderate amount of sunlight, and relatively affordable electricity costs, Cle Elum is a suitable location for solar energy production. By investing in a solar system, residents can expect to break even on their initial investment in approximately 8 years, leading to long-term savings on electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Making the switch to solar power is both a smart choice for your wallet and a positive step towards a cleaner environment.