Overview
Many Raymond Washington residents are beginning to see the financial benefits of installing solar panels on their homes. By examining local weather data and electricity costs, we can calculate how much money can be saved in the long run. With a breakdown of the costs of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, it becomes clear that investing in solar energy is not only environmentally friendly but also a smart financial decision for homeowners in Raymond.
Raymond Washington Weather Trends
Raymond Precipitation
With Raymond, Washington receiving 74.68 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area sees a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Raymond is in the 94th percentile, showcasing its higher-than-average levels of precipitation. In comparison to the state of Washington’s average of 45.64 inches, Raymond still surpasses the norm, ranking in the 85th percentile within the state.
Raymond’s UV Rating
Raymond, Washington had an average UV rating of 3.39 in the last year. While this places Raymond in the 14th percentile nationally and the 23rd percentile within Washington, the lower UV rating indicates less exposure to harmful rays. The national average UV rating stands at 4.29, highlighting Raymond’s milder UV levels compared to the rest of the country. Similarly, Washington’s average UV rating of 3.64 is slightly higher than Raymond’s, indicating a difference in sun intensity in the local area.
Raymond’s Cloud Cover
Over the last year, Raymond, Washington experienced an average cloud cover of 62%. This places Raymond in the 98th percentile nationally and the 99th percentile within Washington, indicating high levels of cloudiness. In contrast, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Washington’s average stands at 49.1%. With 62 days of minimal cloud cover and a significant number of days with heavy cloud cover, Raymond’s weather pattern leans towards overcast conditions.
Raymond Washington Electricity Costs
Raymond, Washington residents pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, which is relatively low compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. Despite being in the 8th percentile nationwide, Raymond ranks in the 71st percentile within Washington, indicating favorable electricity rates. The state’s average electricity cost of $0.1/kw aligns with Raymond’s rates, making it a cost-effective option for residents looking to install solar panels to save on energy expenses.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Raymond Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Raymond, 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:
- Raymond, Washington receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Raymond, Washington are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Raymond, Washington is higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Raymond, Washington pay slightly 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 amount needed to be purchased from the grid.
- Given Raymond, Washington’s lower electricity rates, the savings are slightly lower compared to the national average.
After evaluating the data, it appears that it would take approximately 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, considering the longevity of solar panels, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years beyond the initial payback period. Investing in solar power is a wise decision to save money and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Raymond Washington
Investing in solar energy in Raymond, Washington is not only environmentally friendly but also a smart financial decision. By examining local weather data and electricity costs, it is clear that homeowners can save a significant amount of money in the long run by installing solar panels. With a reasonable break-even period of approximately 8-10 years, the initial investment in solar power can lead to long-term savings and contribute to a more sustainable future. Taking advantage of the favorable weather conditions and electricity rates in Raymond, investing in solar energy is a wise choice for residents looking to reduce their energy expenses and make a positive impact on the environment.