Overview
Are you a Lake Stevens Washington resident looking to save money on your electricity bill while also helping the environment? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of going solar in Lake Stevens, using weather data and electricity costs specific to the area. By analyzing the average precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover in Lake Stevens, we will provide you with an estimate of how long it would take for a solar system to pay for itself, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
Lake Stevens Washington Weather Trends
Lake Stevens Precipitation
With an annual precipitation rate of 54.04 inches, Lake Stevens Washington is above the national average of 50.61 inches but below the state average of 45.64 inches. Despite receiving more rainfall than most areas in the country, installing solar panels in Lake Stevens can still be a cost-effective decision in the long run.
Lake Stevens’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.43, Lake Stevens falls below the national average of 4.29 but is slightly above Washington’s average of 3.64. While the sun may not shine as intensely in Lake Stevens compared to other parts of the country, there is still enough sunlight to generate significant savings by switching to solar energy.
Lake Stevens’s Cloud Cover
Although Lake Stevens experiences an average cloud cover of 55%, which is higher than both the national and state averages, the city still has a substantial number of clear days for solar panels to harness sunlight efficiently. With proper positioning and technology, solar panels can still generate considerable energy savings despite the cloud cover.
Lake Stevens Washington Electricity Costs
Residential electricity costs in Lake Stevens are relatively low at $0.1/kw, matching the state average but below the national average of $0.13/kw. By installing solar panels, Lake Stevens residents can further reduce their electricity bills and take advantage of the abundant natural resources available in the region.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lake Stevens Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lake Stevens, 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:
- Lake Stevens receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has a good amount of sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Lake Stevens are a bit lower than the national average, but they are sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Lake Stevens is slightly higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lake Stevens pay a bit 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 solar system reduces the need to buy electricity from the grid, leading to savings on electricity bills.
After crunching the numbers, it appears that it would take around 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Lake Stevens, Washington. This means that after 4-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for 25-30 years, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Installing solar panels not only provides long-term financial benefits but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Lake Stevens Washington
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Lake Stevens, Washington, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a financially beneficial decision for residents. Despite the slightly higher precipitation and cloud cover in the region, there is still enough sunlight for solar panels to effectively generate energy savings. With electricity costs in Lake Stevens being relatively low, the break-even point for a standard solar system of 10kW is estimated to be around 4-6 years. This means that after this initial period, residents can start enjoying savings on their electricity bills while also contributing to environmental sustainability. Ultimately, going solar in Lake Stevens is a smart investment that can lead to long-term financial and ecological benefits.