Overview
In Marshall, Washington, switching to solar power can lead to significant financial savings. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can demonstrate the benefits of installing solar panels on your home. With a breakdown of the costs involved and an estimate of the time it takes to break even, this article aims to show residents how going solar can be a wise investment for both their wallets and the environment.
Marshall Washington Weather Trends
Marshall Precipitation
In the last year, Marshall Washington received 23.63 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 8th percentile nationally and the 24th percentile within Washington. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Marshall’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation, as less rain means more sunlight available for energy generation.
Marshall’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.65 in the last year, Marshall is in the 26th percentile nationwide and the 67th percentile in Washington. Despite not having the highest UV levels, Marshall still receives ample sunlight for solar energy production. The lower UV rating also means less risk of damage to your skin and property compared to areas with higher UV levels.
Marshall’s Cloud Cover
Marshall Washington had an average cloud cover of 44% in the last year, ranking it in the 50th percentile nationally and the 32nd percentile in Washington. With a moderate amount of cloud cover, Marshall strikes a balance between sunny and cloudy days, ensuring a steady supply of sunlight for your solar panels throughout the year. The distribution of cloud cover days also allows for efficient energy generation.
Marshall Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Marshall pay about $0.09/kw for electricity, positioning the town in the 3rd percentile nationwide and the 49th percentile within Washington. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Marshall’s relatively low electricity costs make solar panel installation an economically sound choice. By harnessing the abundant sunlight in the area, residents can offset their electricity expenses and save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Marshall Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Marshall 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:
- Marshall Washington receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Marshall Washington are slightly lower than the national average but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Marshall Washington is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Marshall Washington pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar power even more cost-effective.
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 Marshall Washington’s lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.
After crunching the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate, and the investment will begin to pay off. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, these savings will continue for many years after the initial investment period. Investing in solar panels is a smart way to save money and contribute to a greener environment!
Investing in solar power in Marshall Washington
Switching to solar power in Marshall, Washington can result in substantial financial savings for residents. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in the area, it is evident that investing in solar panels can be a wise decision both economically and environmentally. With lower precipitation levels, suitable UV ratings, and moderate cloud cover, Marshall provides an ideal setting for solar energy production. Additionally, the relatively low electricity costs in the town make solar panel installation a cost-effective choice. Considering all these factors, it is clear that going solar in Marshall, Washington is a smart investment that can lead to significant savings on electricity bills and contribute to a greener future.