Overview
Solar panels in Ellensburg Washington can provide significant cost savings on electricity bills while also benefiting the environment. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can show you how installing a solar system can ultimately pay for itself in a relatively short amount of time. With ample sunshine, low cloud cover, and high UV ratings, Ellensburg residents have the perfect conditions for generating solar power and saving money on their energy expenses.
Ellensburg Washington Weather Trends
Ellensburg Precipitation
With Ellensburg receiving only 18.56 inches of precipitation in the last year, the city is in the 5th percentile nationally and the 16th percentile within Washington. In comparison, the national average total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and Washington’s average is 45.64 inches. These lower precipitation levels in Ellensburg make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Ellensburg’s UV Rating
Ellensburg’s average UV rating of 3.63 places it in the 25th percentile in the country and the 65th percentile in Washington. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, while Washington’s average is 3.64. Additionally, Ellensburg’s average max UV rating of 3.99 places it in the 32nd percentile nationally and the 56th percentile within Washington. This high UV rating indicates that Ellensburg receives ample sunshine, making it a prime location for solar energy generation.
Ellensburg’s Cloud Cover
Last year, Ellensburg had an average cloud cover of 40%, placing it in the 29th percentile nationally and the 20th percentile in Washington. Nationally, the average cloud cover is 44.46%, while in Washington, it’s 49.1%. With 145 days of minimal cloud cover, Ellensburg’s relatively low cloud coverage makes it a great location for solar panel installation and energy production.
Ellensburg Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Ellensburg pay approximately $0.07/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 0th percentile nationally and the 10th percentile in Washington. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity cost is $0.13/kw, while in Washington, it’s $0.1/kw. With lower electricity costs in Ellensburg, installing solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Ellensburg Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Ellensburg, 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:
- Ellensburg receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Ellensburg are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Ellensburg is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Ellensburg pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect the savings from 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 need to purchase electricity from the grid.
- Since Ellensburg has lower electricity rates, the savings might not be as significant as in other locations.
After analyzing the numbers, it seems that it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Ellensburg. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make it a wise investment choice.
Investing in solar power in Ellensburg Washington
Installing solar panels in Ellensburg, Washington is a smart decision both economically and environmentally. With the region’s ample sunshine, low cloud cover, and lower-than-average electricity costs, residents can expect significant savings on their energy bills. By investing in a solar system, homeowners can break even on their initial investment within 7-8 years and enjoy long-term financial benefits. Not only does solar energy help save money, but it also contributes to a cleaner and greener environment for future generations. Consider going solar in Ellensburg to take advantage of these cost-saving and eco-friendly benefits.