Overview
Are you a homeowner in La Grande, Oregon looking to save money on your electricity bills? Consider installing solar panels on your home! With the abundant sunshine in the area, a solar system can help you reduce your monthly expenses significantly. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we estimate that the cost of a solar system can be recouped in just a few years, making it a smart investment for your wallet and the environment. Read on to learn more about the financial benefits of going solar in La Grande.
La Grande Oregon Weather Trends
La Grande Precipitation
With La Grande, Oregon receiving 32.85 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area is drier compared to the national average of 50.61 inches. When looking within Oregon, La Grande falls below the state average of 54.5 inches. This means that with less rain, there is more opportunity to harness the abundant sunshine for solar energy, making it a favorable location for solar panel installation.
La Grande’s UV Rating
The average UV rating in La Grande, Oregon is 3.39, which is below the national average of 4.29. Within Oregon, La Grande ranks lower than the state average of 3.7 in terms of UV rating. Despite this, La Grande had an average max UV rating of 3.64, still lower than the national and state averages. With consistent sun exposure, installing solar panels can be highly effective in La Grande regardless of the UV rating.
La Grande’s Cloud Cover
La Grande, Oregon experiences an average of 45% cloud cover, which is slightly higher than the national average of 44.46%. Within Oregon, La Grande falls below the state average of 46.8% in terms of cloud cover. Additionally, La Grande had varying cloud cover throughout the year, offering a good balance between sunny and cloudy days, ensuring optimal solar energy production.
La Grande Oregon Electricity Costs
Residents in La Grande, Oregon pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, which is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. In comparison to the state average of $0.11/kw, La Grande still boasts lower electricity costs. By investing in solar panels, homeowners in La Grande can further reduce their electricity expenses and take advantage of the sunny weather for long-term savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in La Grande Oregon?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in La Grande Oregon, 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:
- La Grande Oregon receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it suitable for solar panel installation.
- The UV ratings in La Grande Oregon are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in La Grande Oregon is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in La Grande Oregon 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 bought from the grid and leading to cost savings.
- With lower electricity rates in La Grande Oregon, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost compared to areas with higher electricity rates.
After analysis, it seems like it could take around 10-12 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in La Grande Oregon. This means, after 10-12 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years after that initial period. This demonstrates a financially prudent approach to saving money and supporting sustainability at the same time!
Investing in solar power in La Grande Oregon
Installing solar panels in La Grande, Oregon can be a smart decision to save money on electricity bills while also contributing to a sustainable environment. With the area’s abundant sunshine and lower electricity costs compared to national averages, homeowners can expect to recoup the initial investment in solar panels within 10-12 years. Not only does going solar benefit your wallet, but it also helps reduce carbon footprint, making it a win-win situation for both homeowners and the planet. Consider the financial benefits of solar energy in La Grande and make the switch to a cleaner, more cost-effective energy source today!