Overview
In Kittitas Washington, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can show you how much you could save by making the switch to solar energy. With the cost of solar systems broken down and the estimated time it takes to break even, you’ll see just how much money you could be putting back in your pocket. So, if you’re looking to save money while also making a positive impact on the environment, solar panels may be the perfect solution for you.
Kittitas Washington Weather Trends
Kittitas Precipitation
With only 17.69 inches of precipitation in the last year, Kittitas Washington ranks in the 4th percentile in the nation and the 14th percentile in Washington. This means that compared to the rest of the country and the state, Kittitas receives significantly less rainfall, making it an ideal location for solar panels.
Kittitas’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.64, Kittitas falls in the 26th percentile in the nation and the 66th percentile in Washington. Although it receives slightly lower UV ratings compared to the national average, the ample sunshine in Kittitas makes it a great place for harnessing solar energy.
Kittitas’s Cloud Cover
Kittitas Washington is known for its clear skies with an average of 40% cloud cover over the last year, placing it in the 26th percentile nationally and the 17th percentile in Washington. With a significant number of days featuring minimal cloud cover, solar panels in Kittitas can maximize energy production efficiently.
Kittitas Washington Electricity Costs
Residents in Kittitas pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, ranking in the 25th percentile nationally and the 87th percentile in Washington. With lower electricity costs compared to the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial savings over time while reducing your carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Kittitas Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Kittitas 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:
- Kittitas Washington receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it suitable for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Kittitas Washington are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Kittitas Washington is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Kittitas Washington pay a bit less 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 needed from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Kittitas Washington, the savings are still significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to pay off the investment. Additionally, considering the longevity of solar panels, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar panels is a wise decision to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Kittitas Washington
Considering the weather trends, electricity costs, and potential savings over time, it is clear that installing solar panels in Kittitas Washington can be a smart financial decision. With lower precipitation, ample sunshine, and below-average cloud cover, Kittitas is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, with electricity costs lower than the national average, the investment in solar panels could be recouped in approximately 7 years. By making the switch to solar power, residents of Kittitas can not only save money but also reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment for years to come.