Overview
In Granite Falls, Washington, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Granite Falls, we can determine the cost of a solar system and estimate the amount of time it will take for you to break even on your investment. With ample sunlight throughout the year, along with low precipitation and cloud cover, solar panels can help you save money on your electricity bill in the long run.
Granite Falls Washington Weather Trends
Granite Falls Precipitation
With Granite Falls receiving 53.88 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls above the national average of 50.61 inches but below Washington’s average of 45.64 inches. This means that despite some rainy days, Granite Falls enjoys a moderate amount of rainfall compared to the rest of the country and the state.
Granite Falls’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.43, Granite Falls is below the national average of 4.29 but slightly above Washington’s average of 3.64. This indicates that the town receives a good amount of sunlight throughout the year, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 3.73 further emphasizes the town’s sun exposure.
Granite Falls’s Cloud Cover
Granite Falls experiences an average cloud cover of 55%, which is higher than the national average of 44.46% and Washington’s average of 49.1%. Despite this, the town still has a significant number of sunny days, with 90 days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover. This means that there are plenty of opportunities for solar panels to harness sunlight and generate electricity.
Granite Falls Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Granite Falls pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, which is below the national average of $0.13/kw but on par with Washington’s average. This lower cost of electricity, combined with the ample sunlight in the area, makes installing solar panels a cost-effective choice for Granite Falls residents. By investing in solar energy, homeowners can potentially save money on their electricity bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Granite Falls Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Granite Falls, 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:
- Granite Falls receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Granite Falls are lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Granite Falls is higher than the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Granite Falls pay less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.1/kw.
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 Granite Falls has lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are slightly lower compared to other locations.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6 to 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Granite Falls, Washington. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will accumulate and start paying off the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, the savings will continue for many years to come. Installing solar panels is a wise financial decision that not only saves money but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Granite Falls Washington
Installing solar panels in Granite Falls, Washington is a financially wise decision due to the town’s weather trends and electricity costs. With ample sunlight, moderate precipitation, and lower electricity rates, residents can expect to break even on their investment in approximately 6 to 7 years. This means that after this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will accumulate and continue for many years to come, making solar panels a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable choice for homeowners in Granite Falls.