Overview
Living in Mountain Village, Alaska, you may be looking for ways to reduce your electricity costs while also being environmentally friendly. One option to consider is installing solar panels on your home. By analyzing weather data specific to Mountain Village, including inches of precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, we can estimate the potential savings of a solar system over the course of a year. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even financially. Let’s explore the financial benefits of going solar in Mountain Village.
Mountain Village Alaska Weather Trends
Mountain Village Precipitation
With 33.6 inches of precipitation in the last year, Mountain Village ranks in the 16th percentile in the nation and the 42nd percentile in Alaska. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Alaska’s average of 57.06 inches, Mountain Village receives less precipitation, making it an ideal location for solar energy generation.
Mountain Village’s UV Rating
Mountain Village’s average UV rating of 1.39 in the last year places it in the 0th percentile in the nation and the 24th percentile in Alaska. In comparison, the national average is 4.29, and Alaska’s average is 1.83. With abundant sunshine, Mountain Village is a prime location for solar panel installation, allowing residents to maximize energy production.
Mountain Village’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 70% cloud cover in the last year, Mountain Village is in the 100th percentile in the nation and the 62nd percentile in Alaska. While the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% and Alaska’s average is 67.94%, Mountain Village experiences more cloudy days. Despite this, solar panels can still generate significant energy even on cloudy days, making them a viable option for residents.
Mountain Village Alaska Electricity Costs
Residents of Mountain Village pay about $0.5/kw for electricity, which is in the 100th percentile in the nation and Alaska. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Alaska’s average is $0.34/kw. By installing solar panels, residents can significantly reduce their electricity costs and take advantage of the abundant natural resources available in Mountain Village.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mountain Village Alaska?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mountain Village Alaska, 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:
- Mountain Village Alaska receives less precipitation compared to the national average, providing favorable conditions for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Mountain Village Alaska are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Mountain Village Alaska is higher than the national average, with a significant number of days having between 75% and 100% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Mountain Village Alaska pay significantly 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 as much from the grid, especially considering the lower electricity costs in Mountain Village Alaska.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8 to 10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8 to 10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. And since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. It’s a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Mountain Village Alaska
Installing solar panels in Mountain Village, Alaska can be a smart financial decision that also benefits the environment. By analyzing weather trends specific to the area, including low precipitation levels, ample sunshine, and higher cloud cover, we can estimate significant savings on electricity costs. With residents paying less for electricity compared to the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to breaking even on the initial cost within 8 to 10 years. This means long-term savings and a sustainable energy solution for the community. It’s a win-win for both your wallet and the planet!