Overview
In Port Orchard, Washington, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can estimate how much money you could potentially save by switching to solar energy. With the right solar system size, you could break even on your investment sooner than you might think, making solar panels a smart financial choice for Port Orchard residents.
Port Orchard Washington Weather Trends
Port Orchard Precipitation
With Port Orchard receiving 59.08 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls above the national average of 50.61 inches and the state average of 45.64 inches. This means that although Port Orchard gets more rain compared to the rest of the country and Washington, the excess water can be harnessed by solar panels to generate electricity, making it a valuable resource worth considering.
Port Orchard’s UV Rating
Port Orchard’s average UV rating of 3.57 places it below the national average of 4.29 but above the Washington state average of 3.64. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 3.93 is also lower than the national average of 4.61 but slightly higher than the state average of 3.97. Despite this, solar panels can still be effective as even with lower UV ratings, energy can still be generated from sunlight, making them a viable option for residents.
Port Orchard’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 55%, Port Orchard is above the national average of 44.46% but below the state average of 49.1%. The varying cloud cover throughout the year can impact solar panel efficiency, but with proper installation and technology advancements, you can still benefit from solar energy even with the cloudier weather in the area. It’s important to consider the potential savings and environmental benefits that solar panels can provide regardless of the cloud cover.
Port Orchard Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Port Orchard pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, which is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw but higher than the state average of $0.1/kw. By switching to solar energy, you can further reduce your electricity costs and potentially break even on your investment faster compared to areas with higher electricity rates. Investing in solar panels can provide not only long-term financial savings but also contribute to a cleaner environment for future generations.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Port Orchard Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Port Orchard, 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:
- Port Orchard gets slightly more rain than the national average, but it still has a good amount of sunshine for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Port Orchard are a bit lower than the national average, but they are still decent for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Port Orchard is a bit higher than the national average, with some days having 75-100% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Port Orchard pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.11/kw.
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.
- With Port Orchard’s lower electricity rates, the savings are still significant.
After calculations, it looks like it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. After that period, the money saved on electricity bills will continue to add up for many years to come, making it a smart investment for saving money and supporting sustainable energy practices.
Investing in solar power in Port Orchard Washington
Installing solar panels in Port Orchard, Washington can be a financially wise decision for residents. By harnessing the excess rainwater and utilizing the available sunlight, solar panels offer a valuable resource for generating electricity. Despite the slightly lower UV ratings and higher cloud cover in the area, solar panels can still be effective in providing long-term financial savings. With electricity costs lower than the national average, residents stand to benefit from reduced energy bills and potential break-even on their investment in approximately 6 years. The switch to solar energy not only promises economic advantages but also a cleaner environment for future generations, making it a smart choice for Port Orchard residents looking to save money and support sustainable energy practices.