Overview
Living in Kake, Alaska can bring high electricity bills due to long winter days and cloudy weather. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, installing solar panels on your home can be a smart financial decision. With information on precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, we can estimate the cost of a solar system and how long it will take to start saving money. Let’s explore the financial benefits of going solar in Kake.
Kake Alaska Weather Trends
Kake Precipitation
With 183.2 inches of precipitation in the last year, Kake Alaska is in the 100th percentile in the nation and the 98th percentile in Alaska. This high level of precipitation can lead to increased energy costs as heating and lighting are used more frequently. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, and Alaska’s average of 57.06 inches, Kake’s weather conditions make it an ideal candidate for harnessing solar energy to offset these costs.
Kake’s UV Rating
During the last year, Kake Alaska had an average UV rating of 2.18, placing it in the 0th percentile in the nation and the 88th percentile in Alaska. In contrast, the national average for UV rating is 4.29, and Alaska’s average is 1.83. These UV ratings indicate that Kake receives a moderate amount of sunlight, making it suitable for solar panel installation to take advantage of this valuable resource for energy production.
Kake’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 74% cloud cover in the last year, Kake Alaska ranks in the 100th percentile in the nation and the 92nd percentile in Alaska. This high level of cloud cover can impact the amount of sunlight available for solar energy generation. However, with proper placement and technology, solar panels can still be effective in Kake. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Alaska’s average is 67.94%, making Kake a unique opportunity for utilizing solar power.
Kake Alaska Electricity Costs
Residents in Kake, Alaska pay approximately $0.29/kw for electricity, placing them in the 100th percentile in the nation and the 78th percentile in Alaska. This higher cost of electricity compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, and Alaska’s average of $0.34/kw, makes switching to solar energy a financially wise decision in the long run. By installing solar panels, residents can save money on their electricity bills and reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Kake Alaska?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Kake Alaska, 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:
- Kake Alaska receives significantly more rain than the national average, which may impact the efficiency of solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Kake Alaska are lower than the national average, which can affect the amount of solar power generated.
- Cloud cover in Kake Alaska is higher than the national average, with most days having between 75% and 100% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Kake Alaska pay more for electricity compared to the national average.
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 purchased from the grid, especially with higher electricity costs in Kake Alaska.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 8-10 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment at the same time!
Investing in solar power in Kake Alaska
With the weather conditions and electricity costs in Kake, Alaska, it’s clear that installing solar panels can lead to significant financial savings in the long term. Despite high levels of rainfall, lower UV ratings, and increased cloud cover, solar energy remains a viable and cost-effective option for residents in Kake. By making the switch to solar power, homeowners can expect to break even on their initial investment within 8-10 years, after which they will continue to enjoy savings on their electricity bills for many more years. This not only benefits their wallets but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Making the decision to go solar in Kake is a smart financial choice that can have a positive impact for years to come.