Overview
If you live in Des Moines, Washington, and are considering installing solar panels on your home, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will explore the financial benefits of switching to solar energy in your area. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Des Moines, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to start saving money. So, if you want to reduce your electricity bills and make a positive impact on the environment, keep reading to learn more about the benefits of going solar in Des Moines.
Des Moines Washington Weather Trends
Des Moines Precipitation
With Des Moines, Washington receiving 48.87 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, compared to the rest of Washington, Des Moines is right around the average. By harnessing solar energy, you can take advantage of the sun’s power even on rainy days, making it a worthwhile investment for your home.
Des Moines’s UV Rating
Des Moines, Washington boasts an average UV rating of 3.57, which is lower than the national average of 4.29. However, when compared to the rest of Washington, Des Moines is right in line with the state average. By installing solar panels, you can still benefit from the sun’s energy even with slightly lower UV levels, helping you save money on your electricity bills while reducing your carbon footprint.
Des Moines’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 54%, Des Moines, Washington experiences more cloudiness than the national average of 44.46%. However, when compared to the rest of Washington, Des Moines falls slightly below the state average. Despite the cloud cover, solar panels can still generate energy, allowing you to take advantage of the available sunlight and reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources.
Des Moines Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Des Moines, Washington pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, which is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. Compared to the rest of Washington, Des Moines residents pay slightly more for electricity. By switching to solar energy, you can significantly lower your electricity costs in the long run, making it a smart financial decision for your home.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Des Moines Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Des Moines, 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:
- Des Moines receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Des Moines are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Des Moines is slightly higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Des Moines pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for the return on investment in solar panels.
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, especially with Des Moines’ lower electricity rates.
- These savings will accumulate over time, offsetting the initial investment cost of the solar panels.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Des Moines, Washington. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will begin to exceed the investment. Since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, the long-term savings and benefits make solar energy a wise investment choice for residents of Des Moines.
Investing in solar power in Des Moines Washington
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Des Moines, Washington, it is clear that switching to solar energy can result in significant financial benefits for homeowners in the area. Despite receiving slightly less precipitation and having lower UV ratings compared to national averages, solar panels can still generate energy efficiently, especially with Des Moines’ lower electricity costs. By investing in a solar system, residents can expect to break even on their initial cost within 5-6 years and continue to save money on their electricity bills for decades to come. The combination of favorable weather conditions and cost savings make solar energy a smart and practical choice for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint and achieve long-term financial savings in Des Moines.