Overview
Are you a Pendleton Oregon resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a smart financial move for you. 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. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Pendleton, we will show you the potential financial benefits of going solar in your area.
Pendleton Oregon Weather Trends
Pendleton Precipitation
With Pendleton Oregon receiving only 18.26 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is well below the national average of 50.61 inches and Oregon’s average of 54.5 inches. This drier climate makes Pendleton an ideal location for solar panel installation, as less rain means more sunny days to harness solar energy efficiently.
Pendleton’s UV Rating
Pendleton Oregon’s average UV rating of 4.03 in the last year is above both the national average of 4.29 and Oregon’s average of 3.7. With an average max UV rating of 4.41, Pendleton proves to have high sun exposure levels, making it a great candidate for solar panel systems that rely on sunlight to generate electricity.
Pendleton’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average of 38% cloud cover in the last year, Pendleton Oregon still falls below the national average of 44.46% and Oregon’s average of 46.8%. With a significant number of days having minimal cloud cover, residents of Pendleton have ample opportunities to maximize their solar energy production.
Pendleton Oregon Electricity Costs
At just $0.1/kw for electricity, Pendleton Oregon residents pay less than the national average of $0.13/kw and slightly below Oregon’s average of $0.11/kw. By installing solar panels, residents can not only reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources but also save money in the long run as electricity costs continue to rise.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Pendleton Oregon?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Pendleton, Oregon, 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:
- Pendleton gets less precipitation compared to the national average, making it suitable for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Pendleton are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Pendleton is lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Pendleton pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for considering 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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
- With Pendleton’s lower electricity rates, the savings might take longer to accrue compared to areas with higher costs.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 7-8 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment at the same time!
Investing in solar power in Pendleton Oregon
After analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to Pendleton, Oregon, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a wise financial decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. With the city’s low precipitation, high UV rating, and minimal cloud cover, Pendleton is an ideal location for solar panel installation, allowing residents to generate electricity efficiently. Additionally, with electricity costs lower than the national average, the investment in solar panels can lead to long-term savings that will eventually cover the initial cost in about 7-8 years. By going solar, residents not only reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources but also contribute to a cleaner environment while enjoying financial benefits for years to come.