Overview
Are you a resident of Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home can provide significant long-term financial benefits. By analyzing weather data specific to your area, as well as basic electricity costs, we can break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. With information on inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and average percentage cloud cover over 365 days, you can make an informed decision about whether solar energy is the right choice for you.
Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington Weather Trends
Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Precipitation
With Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington receiving 48.84 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area experiences a fair amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Joint Base Lewis Mcchord falls slightly below, but it surpasses Washington’s average of 45.64 inches. By harnessing this abundance of rainwater with a solar panel system, residents can potentially save on their electricity costs in the long run.
Joint Base Lewis Mcchord’s UV Rating
Scoring an average UV rating of 3.6, Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington is in the 23rd percentile in the nation. While this may seem lower than the national average of 4.29, it exceeds Washington’s average of 3.64. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 4.02, the potential for solar energy generation is quite promising. Even though the UV ratings are not the highest, solar panels can still effectively generate electricity on sunnier days, contributing to significant savings over time.
Joint Base Lewis Mcchord’s Cloud Cover
With an average 53% cloud cover in the last year, Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington experiences a decent amount of cloudy days. While this may seem high compared to the national average of 44.46%, it is slightly lower than the Washington average of 49.1%. However, with a mix of days ranging from clear to overcast, solar panels can still generate electricity on partially cloudy days. This means residents can still benefit from solar energy even on days with less sun.
Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington Electricity Costs
Residents in Joint Base Lewis Mcchord pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, positioning them in the 25th percentile in the nation. While this may be higher than the national average of $0.13/kw, it is lower than Washington’s average of $0.1/kw. By installing solar panels, residents can generate their own electricity and potentially even sell excess power back to the grid, resulting in substantial long-term savings on electricity bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord 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:
- Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington gets slightly less rainfall than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power efficiently.
- Cloud cover is slightly higher than the national average, with some variations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect the savings from using solar power.
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 and saving money.
- With slightly lower electricity rates at Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington, the savings may take a bit longer to recoup the initial investment.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take approximately 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in this location. This means, after that period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, you’ll continue to benefit from those savings for many years to come. It’s a wise financial and environmental decision!
Investing in solar power in Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington
After examining the weather trends and electricity costs in Joint Base Lewis Mcchord Washington, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a smart investment for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. With slightly lower rainfall, adequate UV ratings, and varying cloud cover, solar energy generation is still feasible in this area. Additionally, the lower electricity costs in the region make the payback period for a solar system relatively short, estimated at around 6-7 years. This initial investment will lead to long-term savings that will continue for the lifespan of the solar panels. Choosing solar energy is not only a financially sound decision but also a positive step towards a more sustainable future.