Overview
In Philomath, Oregon, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant long-term financial savings. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will demonstrate how a solar system can help you break even on your investment. With ample sunshine, low precipitation, and moderate cloud cover, Philomath provides an ideal environment for harnessing solar energy to reduce your electricity bills and ultimately save you money.
Philomath Oregon Weather Trends
Philomath Precipitation
With Philomath receiving 67.38 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is important to consider how this weather factor can impact your decision to install solar panels on your home. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Philomath falls in the 84th percentile, highlighting the ample rainfall in the area. Even with a higher precipitation rate than the rest of Oregon, Philomath still presents a great opportunity for solar energy utilization.
Philomath’s UV Rating
The average UV rating in Philomath over the last year was 3.77, placing the city in the 34th percentile nationally. Although Philomath’s UV rating is slightly lower than the national average of 4.29, it is in line with Oregon’s average of 3.7. Considering the potential for maximizing solar energy production, Philomath’s UV rating is favorable for installing solar panels on your property. Additionally, the city’s average max UV rating of 4.29 further solidifies its suitability for solar panel installation.
Philomath’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 48% cloud cover in Philomath over the last year, the city falls in the 67th percentile nationwide. Despite having more cloud cover than the national average of 44.46%, Philomath’s cloud cover aligns closely with Oregon’s average of 46.8%. The distribution of cloud cover days in Philomath presents various opportunities throughout the year to harness solar energy efficiently. With a balance between clear and cloudy days, installing solar panels can still be a viable option for long-term savings.
Philomath Oregon Electricity Costs
Residents of Philomath pay approximately $0.11 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing the city in the 24th percentile nationwide. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Philomath’s electricity costs are lower, making solar panel installation even more financially attractive. Furthermore, with Oregon’s average residential electricity cost also at $0.11/kw, Philomath residents have the opportunity to save significantly on their energy bills by switching to solar power. Considering the cost-effectiveness of solar energy in Philomath, it’s worth exploring the benefits it can offer in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Philomath Oregon?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Philomath, 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:
- Philomath receives more precipitation than the national average, which can affect solar panel efficiency, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Philomath are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Philomath is slightly higher than the national average, with a range of cloud cover percentages throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Philomath pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can impact the savings from using solar panels.
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:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the amount purchased from the grid.
- With slightly lower electricity rates in Philomath, the savings may take slightly longer to make up the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 5-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for 25-30 years, you will continue to enjoy those savings for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is a smart way to save money and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Philomath Oregon
Installing solar panels in Philomath, Oregon can be a smart financial decision with the potential for significant long-term savings. By analyzing the weather trends specific to the area, such as precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, along with the relatively low electricity costs, we have determined that Philomath provides an ideal environment for utilizing solar energy. With an estimated break-even period of 5-7 years on a standard solar system, the investment can lead to years of savings on electricity bills. By investing in solar panels, residents of Philomath can not only save money but also contribute to environmental sustainability for years to come.