Overview
In Lewiston, Idaho, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we can show you how much money you can save each year by generating your own solar power. With the average cost of a solar system and estimated break-even point, this article will help you see why solar panels are a smart investment for your wallet in Lewiston.
Lewiston Idaho Weather Trends
Lewiston Precipitation
With only 21.74 inches of precipitation in the last year, Lewiston Idaho ranks in the 7th percentile nationwide and the 23rd percentile in Idaho. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Idaho’s average of 34.83 inches, Lewiston’s low precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation. By harnessing the power of the sun, you can generate clean energy even during dry periods.
Lewiston’s UV Rating
Featuring an average UV rating of 3.88, Lewiston is ahead of the curve in the 40th percentile across the country and the 74th percentile within Idaho. While the national average for UV rating stands at 4.29, and Idaho’s average at 3.63, Lewiston’s strong sunlight exposure is perfect for maximizing solar panel efficiency. By harnessing this abundant sunlight, you can significantly reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources.
Lewiston’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 42% cloud cover in the last year, Lewiston sits in the 41st percentile nationally and the 44th percentile in Idaho. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Idaho’s average is 44.04%. Additionally, Lewiston experienced 135 days with clear skies and only 62 days with heavy cloud cover. This means that most days in Lewiston offer optimal conditions for solar energy production, allowing you to make the most of your solar panel investment.
Lewiston Idaho Electricity Costs
Residents of Lewiston pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 11th percentile nationally and the 77th percentile in Idaho. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Idaho’s average of $0.1/kw, Lewiston offers competitive electricity rates that make solar panel installation even more financially appealing. By generating your own solar power, you can decrease your reliance on expensive grid electricity and potentially save thousands of dollars in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lewiston Idaho?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lewiston Idaho, 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:
- Lewiston Idaho gets less rainfall compared to the national average, making it suitable for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Lewiston Idaho is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lewiston Idaho pay slightly 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 need to buy from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Lewiston Idaho, the savings are still considerable.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Plus, with solar panels lasting for decades, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years. It’s a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Lewiston Idaho
Considering the weather trends and electricity costs in Lewiston, Idaho, it is clear that installing solar panels on your home is a smart financial investment. With the low precipitation levels, high UV ratings, and optimal cloud cover, Lewiston provides ideal conditions for generating solar power. Additionally, residents enjoy competitive electricity rates, making the switch to solar even more appealing. Based on our analysis, it would take approximately 6 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar installation, after which you can start saving money on electricity bills. Not only is this a wise financial decision, but it also contributes to a sustainable future for both your wallet and the environment.