Overview
Discover the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Longview, Washington. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will show you how much you can save on your monthly bills and estimate how long it will take to break even on your investment. With the potential for ample sunshine and savings, going solar may be the smart choice for your home in Longview.
Longview Washington Weather Trends
Longview Precipitation
Longview Washington received 65.98 inches of precipitation in the last year, ranking it in the 82nd percentile in the nation and the 79th percentile in Washington. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Washington’s average is 45.64 inches. With Longview receiving more rain than most areas, installing solar panels can help offset electricity costs on gloomy days.
Longview’s UV Rating
In the last year, Longview Washington had an average UV rating of 3.53, placing it in the 20th percentile in the nation and the 47th percentile in Washington. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, and Washington’s average is 3.64. Additionally, Longview’s average max UV rating of 4.01 ranks it in the 32nd percentile nationally and the 58th percentile in Washington. With moderate UV ratings, solar panels in Longview can efficiently convert sunlight into energy all year round.
Longview’s Cloud Cover
Longview Washington had an average of 57% cloud cover in the last year, making it the 92nd percentile in the nation and the 86th percentile in Washington. Nationally, the average cloud cover is 44.46%, and Washington’s average is 49.1%. Despite some cloudy days, Longview still has a significant number of clear days suitable for solar energy production. By harnessing the sun’s power on clear days, residents can maximize their energy savings.
Longview Washington Electricity Costs
Longview residents pay about $0.09/kw for electricity, placing them in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 37th percentile in Washington. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Washington’s average is $0.1/kw. With lower-than-average electricity costs, investing in solar panels in Longview can lead to significant long-term savings on monthly utility bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Longview Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Longview 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:
- Longview Washington receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Longview Washington are lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Longview Washington is higher than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Longview Washington pay 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 that needs to be purchased from the grid.
- Given the lower electricity rates in Longview Washington, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take around 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, these savings will continue for many years thereafter. It’s a wise choice for saving money and supporting the environment simultaneously!
Investing in solar power in Longview Washington
With the potential for ample sunshine in Longview and the lower-than-average electricity costs, investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings on monthly utility bills. By analyzing weather trends and electricity costs specific to the area, it is estimated that it would take around 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. After this point, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment, making it a smart choice for homeowners looking to save money and support the environment.