Overview
In Coos Bay, Oregon, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing weather data and basic electricity costs over the course of a year, we can estimate how much money you can save by switching to solar energy. With the average cost of a solar system in mind, we’ll break down the upfront investment and calculate how long it will take for you to break even and start seeing a return on your investment.
Coos Bay Oregon Weather Trends
Coos Bay Precipitation
With Coos Bay receiving 80.12 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area gets a significant amount of rain. Compared to the rest of the country, Coos Bay is in the 97th percentile for total precipitation, placing it well above the national average of 50.61 inches. While Oregon as a whole also sees above-average rainfall at 54.5 inches, Coos Bay stands out with its higher levels of precipitation.
Coos Bay’s UV Rating
When it comes to UV ratings, Coos Bay had an average rating of 3.54 in the last year. This puts the city in the 21st percentile nationwide, slightly below the national average of 4.29. In Oregon, where the average UV rating is 3.7, Coos Bay falls in the 32nd percentile. The lower UV ratings in Coos Bay make it an ideal location for solar panels to thrive and generate clean energy.
Coos Bay’s Cloud Cover
Coos Bay experiences an average of 57% cloud cover throughout the year. This places the city in the 92nd percentile nationwide and the 95th percentile in Oregon, indicating a relatively cloudy climate. With a higher number of days featuring cloud cover compared to the national and state averages, Coos Bay residents can benefit from investing in solar energy to offset their reliance on traditional electricity sources.
Coos Bay Oregon Electricity Costs
Coos Bay residents currently pay around $0.11 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is slightly below the national average of $0.13/kw. In Oregon, where the average residential electricity cost is also $0.11/kw, Coos Bay falls in the 81st percentile. By switching to solar energy, residents can not only reduce their reliance on grid electricity but also save money in the long run as solar panels become more cost-effective over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Coos Bay Oregon?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Coos Bay 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:
- Coos Bay gets more rain than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Coos Bay is higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Coos Bay 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, reducing the need to purchase as much from the grid.
- Since Coos Bay has lower electricity rates, the savings may be slightly less compared to other areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it could take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, considering solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. It’s a wise financial decision that also contributes to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Coos Bay Oregon
Installing solar panels in Coos Bay, Oregon can lead to significant long-term financial savings. Analyzing the weather data and electricity costs in the area shows that switching to solar energy could result in around 6 years to break even on the initial investment. With lower electricity rates and suitable weather conditions, residents can not only save money but also contribute to a cleaner environment. Investing in solar power in Coos Bay is a smart choice for both your wallet and the planet.