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Solar and Electricity Data for Mount Vernon, WA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Mount Vernon, WA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
2/10 1.3/10 5.7/10 1.2/10 1.8/10
OK 54% daily 4 inches monthly 3.3 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Are you a Mount Vernon Washington resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a great investment for you! In this article, we will analyze weather data and electricity costs specific to Mount Vernon to show you how much money you can save by going solar. We will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate how long it will take to break even, and highlight the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy.

Mount Vernon Washington Weather Trends

Mount Vernon Precipitation

With Mount Vernon Washington receiving 47.58 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is in the 43rd percentile in the nation and the 51st percentile in Washington. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Mount Vernon sees slightly less rainfall, which can benefit solar panel efficiency by keeping them clean and clear from dust and debris.

Mount Vernon’s UV Rating

Mount Vernon Washington had an average UV rating of 3.33, ranking it in the 12th percentile in the nation and the 19th percentile in Washington. While it may not have the highest UV rating, Mount Vernon still receives a good amount of sunlight which is crucial for solar panel performance. With an average max UV rating of 3.47, Mount Vernon residents can harness the power of the sun to generate clean energy for their homes.

Mount Vernon’s Cloud Cover

On average, Mount Vernon Washington had 54% cloud cover in the last year, making it the 87th percentile in the nation and the 70th percentile in Washington. With 87 days of clear skies, there are plenty of opportunities for solar panels to capture sunlight and convert it into electricity. Even on cloudier days, solar panels can still generate power, albeit at a slightly reduced rate.

Mount Vernon Washington Electricity Costs

Mount Vernon residents pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, placing them in the 18th percentile in the nation and the 80th percentile in Washington. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Mount Vernon enjoys relatively lower electricity costs, making solar panel installation a financially attractive option. By switching to solar energy, residents can save money on their electricity bills and reduce their carbon footprint at the same time.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mount Vernon Washington?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mount Vernon, 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:

  • Mount Vernon gets slightly less rain than the national average, with a decent amount of sun for solar panels to work effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Mount Vernon are lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Mount Vernon is slightly higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Mount Vernon pay a bit 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 bought from the grid.
  • With Mount Vernon’s lower electricity rates, the savings are still significant.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears it would take approximately 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so beyond the break-even point, you’ll enjoy savings for many more years. Investing in solar power is a wise decision for both your wallet and the environment!

Investing in solar power in Mount Vernon Washington

After analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to Mount Vernon, Washington, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a smart investment for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. With Mount Vernon experiencing slightly lower rainfall, good sunlight for solar panel efficiency, and reasonable electricity costs, the break-even point for a standard solar system of 10kW is estimated to be around 4-6 years. Beyond this point, residents can enjoy significant savings for many more years, making the switch to solar energy a financially attractive and environmentally conscious choice. Investing in solar power in Mount Vernon is not only beneficial for your wallet but also for the planet!