Overview
If you’re a Kalama Washington resident considering investing in solar panels for your home, this article is for you. We analyzed weather data specific to Kalama, including inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and average percentage cloud cover over 365 days to show you the potential financial benefits of going solar. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, you can see how much you can save on electricity bills in the long run.
Kalama Washington Weather Trends
Kalama Precipitation
With Kalama Washington receiving 68.32 inches of precipitation in the past year, it’s clear that the region has above-average rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Kalama ranks in the 86th percentile nationally and 82nd percentile within Washington. This means that despite the high precipitation levels, investing in solar panels can still be a financially smart decision.
Kalama’s UV Rating
In terms of UV rating, Kalama Washington had an average of 3.53, placing it in the 20th percentile nationally and 45th percentile within Washington. Even though the region has slightly lower UV ratings compared to other parts of the country, the potential for solar energy generation is still significant. With an average max UV rating of 3.98, there is ample sunlight to harness for solar power in Kalama.
Kalama’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average of 58% cloud cover, which puts Kalama in the 94th percentile nationally and 91st percentile within Washington, there are still plenty of sunny days to capitalize on for solar energy production. With a mix of clear and partly cloudy days throughout the year, Kalama offers a conducive environment for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.
Kalama Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Kalama Washington pay just $0.09/kw for electricity, making it one of the most affordable places in the nation in terms of electricity costs. With the national average at $0.13/kw, and Washington’s average at $0.1/kw, Kalama residents have the opportunity to save even more by switching to solar energy. By making the switch, not only can you save money on electricity bills, but you can also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Kalama Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Kalama, 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:
- Kalama gets more precipitation compared to the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Kalama are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Kalama is higher than the national average, with different levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Kalama pay 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.
- With Kalama’s lower electricity rates, the savings might be slower compared to areas with higher rates.
After calculating, it seems that it might take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Kalama, Washington. This means, after that time, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will enjoy those savings for many more years. It’s a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Kalama Washington
Investing in solar panels in Kalama, Washington can be a smart financial decision with the potential to save you money on electricity bills in the long run. Despite the region’s above-average precipitation and slightly lower UV ratings, there is still plenty of sunlight to harness for solar power. With affordable electricity costs in Kalama, residents have the opportunity to break even on the initial cost of solar installation within 7-8 years and enjoy savings for many more years to come. Making the switch to solar energy not only benefits your wallet but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment.