Overview
Are you a Mountlake Terrace resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Solar panels may be the solution for you! In this article, we will explore the financial benefits of installing a solar system on your home in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. Let’s dive in and see how solar panels can help you save money in the long run.
Mountlake Terrace Washington Weather Trends
Mountlake Terrace Precipitation
With 44.94 inches of precipitation in the last year, Mountlake Terrace falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. While the city ranks in the 38th percentile nationally, it still surpasses Washington’s average of 45.64 inches. By harnessing the power of solar energy, residents can take advantage of the rainy climate to generate clean electricity for their homes.
Mountlake Terrace’s UV Rating
Mountlake Terrace’s average UV rating of 3.43 positions it in the lower percentiles both nationally and within Washington. Compared to the national average of 4.29, and Washington’s average of 3.64, the city receives less sunlight for solar energy production. However, with an average max UV rating of 3.77, there is still a viable opportunity to benefit from solar power and offset energy costs.
Mountlake Terrace’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 54%, ranking Mountlake Terrace in the 86th percentile nationally, the city still presents favorable conditions for solar panel installation. With varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year, residents can maximize energy production during sunny days and store excess energy for cloudy periods, ensuring a consistent and reliable power source for their homes.
Mountlake Terrace Washington Electricity Costs
Mountlake Terrace residents enjoy relatively low electricity costs at $0.11/kw, compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. Although the city ranks high within Washington at the 90th percentile, investing in solar panels can help homeowners further reduce their electricity bills and protect against future price increases. By harnessing the abundant natural resources available, residents can create a sustainable and cost-effective energy solution for their homes.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mountlake Terrace Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mountlake Terrace, 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:
- Mountlake Terrace gets slightly less rain than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Mountlake Terrace are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Mountlake Terrace is slightly higher than the national average, which can affect solar panel efficiency.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Mountlake Terrace pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can affect the savings from using solar power.
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 Mountlake Terrace’s lower electricity rates, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Mountlake Terrace. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start offsetting the investment. Considering solar panels last for decades, you can enjoy these savings for many years to come. It’s a wise investment to save money and contribute to a clean energy future!
Investing in solar power in Mountlake Terrace Washington
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Mountlake Terrace, Washington, it is evident that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings. Despite slightly lower UV ratings and higher cloud cover, the city’s favorable electricity costs and abundant natural resources create a promising environment for solar energy production. With an estimated break-even period of 8-10 years for a standard 10kW system, residents can enjoy reduced electricity bills for decades to come. Ultimately, embracing solar power not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Mountlake Terrace.