Overview
Are you paying too much for electricity in Kirkland, Washington? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for! By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Kirkland, we can show you how much money you could save by making the switch to solar energy. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you’ll see just how much you stand to gain financially from this eco-friendly investment.
Kirkland Washington Weather Trends
Kirkland Precipitation
In the last year, Kirkland, Washington received 48.89 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 46th percentile in the nation and the 54th percentile in Washington. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Washington’s average of 45.64 inches, Kirkland falls within a moderate range of rainfall. By harnessing this natural resource through solar panels, Kirkland residents can take advantage of rainy days to generate clean energy for their homes.
Kirkland’s UV Rating
In terms of UV rating, Kirkland, Washington had an average rating of 3.52, placing it in the 20th percentile nationally and the 45th percentile in Washington. With a lower UV rating compared to the national average of 4.29 and Washington’s average of 3.64, Kirkland may not receive as much direct sunlight as other regions. However, even with lower levels of UV radiation, solar panels can still effectively generate electricity, making them a viable option for Kirkland residents.
Kirkland’s Cloud Cover
On average, Kirkland, Washington had 55% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 88th percentile in the nation and the 73rd percentile in Washington. While the cloud cover in Kirkland is higher than the national average of 44.46% and Washington’s average of 49.1%, there are still plenty of clear days for solar panels to capture sunlight and convert it into energy. Even on cloudy days, solar panels can generate electricity, ensuring a reliable source of power for Kirkland homeowners.
Kirkland Washington Electricity Costs
Kirkland, Washington residents pay around $0.11/kw for electricity, placing them in the 39th percentile nationally and the 92nd percentile in Washington. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Washington’s average of $0.1/kw, Kirkland enjoys relatively lower electricity costs. By installing solar panels, homeowners in Kirkland can further reduce their reliance on traditional power sources, saving money on electricity bills in the long run while also contributing to a greener environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Kirkland Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Kirkland, 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:
- Kirkland gets slightly less rain than the national average, which is good for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Kirkland are lower than the national average, but still effective for solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Kirkland is higher than the national average, with different levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Kirkland pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect the savings from 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 Kirkland’s lower electricity rates, the savings might take longer to break even compared to areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it may take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Kirkland. This means that after that timeframe, the savings on electricity bills will start to outweigh the investment. Given that solar panels last for many years, the long-term benefits will continue for decades, making it a worthwhile investment to save money and contribute to sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Kirkland Washington
Switching to solar energy in Kirkland, Washington can be a smart financial decision for homeowners. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Kirkland, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings over time. Despite slightly lower UV ratings and higher cloud cover, solar panels can still effectively generate electricity in Kirkland. With electricity costs lower than the national average, homeowners can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in around 7-8 years. The long-term benefits of reduced electricity bills and environmental sustainability make solar panel installation a worthwhile investment for Kirkland residents.