Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Ford, WA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Ford, WA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2.9/10 3.7/10 8.3/10 2/10 0.3/10
OK 47% daily 3 inches monthly 3.5 on average 0.09/kw

Overview

If you live in Ford Washington, installing solar panels on your home could save you a significant amount of money on your electricity bills. By analyzing weather data specific to Ford Washington, we can estimate how much energy you can generate with a solar system and how long it will take for the system to pay for itself. This financial investment could offer long-term benefits and help you lower your monthly expenses.

Ford Washington Weather Trends

Ford Precipitation

With 33.92 inches of precipitation in the last year, Ford Washington falls in the 17th percentile nationally and the 41st percentile in Washington. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and Washington’s average is 45.64 inches. This means Ford receives less rainfall than most of the country, making it an ideal location for solar energy production.

Ford’s UV Rating

Featuring an average UV rating of 3.54, Ford Washington ranks in the 20th percentile nationally and the 49th percentile in Washington. Nationally, the average UV rating is 4.29, while Washington’s is 3.64. Additionally, Ford’s average max UV rating of 3.87 places it in the 27th percentile nationwide and the 40th percentile in the state. These UV levels offer ample sunlight for efficient solar energy generation, providing significant potential for savings.

Ford’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 47% cloud cover in the last year, Ford Washington is in the 63rd percentile nationally and the 39th percentile in Washington. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Washington’s average is 49.1%. Ford experiences a variety of cloud cover throughout the year, with different levels on different days, ensuring a balance between sunshine and shade for optimal solar panel performance.

Ford Washington Electricity Costs

Residents of Ford pay around $0.09 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 3rd percentile nationwide and the 49th percentile in Washington. The national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, with Washington’s average at $0.1/kw. Lower electricity costs in Ford make solar panel installation a wise financial choice that can lead to significant long-term savings on monthly utility bills.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Ford Washington?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Ford 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:

  • Ford Washington receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings are slightly below the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Ford Washington is slightly above the national average, with variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Ford Washington pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar energy savings slightly lower.

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.
  • With Ford Washington’s lower electricity rates, the savings are slightly lower compared to other locations.

After evaluating the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Ford Washington. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so after the payback period, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years. It’s a wise way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Ford Washington

Installing solar panels in Ford Washington is a smart investment that can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. By analyzing weather data specific to Ford Washington and considering the electricity costs in the area, we can estimate that it would take around 6-7 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system. After this payback period, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, offering a wise financial choice for residents. Not only can solar panels help lower monthly expenses, but they also contribute to a cleaner environment, making it a beneficial option for those looking for long-term benefits.