Solar By City

Solar and Electricity Data for Shelton, WA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Shelton, WA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
1.8/10 1/10 0.6/10 2/10 5.2/10
OK 56% daily 6 inches monthly 3.5 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

If you’re a Shelton resident looking to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home could be a wise decision. By analyzing weather data specific to Shelton, such as the amount of precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, we can estimate the financial benefits of going solar in this area. In this article, we will break down the costs of a solar system and provide an estimate of how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. So, if you’re interested in reducing your electricity expenses and making a positive impact on the environment, keep reading to learn more about the financial advantages of switching to solar power in Shelton.

Shelton Washington Weather Trends

Shelton Precipitation

With Shelton receiving 74.41 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that the city experiences a considerable amount of rain. However, despite being in the 94th percentile in the nation and the 85th percentile in Washington for precipitation, this can actually work in your favor when it comes to solar panel efficiency. By harnessing the power of the sun during the drier months, you can offset your electricity usage and reduce your overall energy costs.

Shelton’s UV Rating

Shelton’s average UV rating of 3.54 may be lower than the national and state averages, but that doesn’t mean solar energy isn’t a viable option. Even with fewer sunny days, installing solar panels can still generate significant savings on your electricity bills. By taking advantage of the sunlight available, you can lower your dependency on traditional grid power and contribute to a cleaner environment for future generations.

Shelton’s Cloud Cover

With an average cloud cover of 56% in Shelton, you might think that solar panels wouldn’t be as effective. However, even with the cloudiest days, solar panels can still generate electricity. By producing energy during the sunnier periods and feeding any excess back into the grid, you can potentially earn credits on your electricity bill. Embracing solar power in Shelton can help you take control of your energy costs and reduce your carbon footprint.

Shelton Washington Electricity Costs

Shelton residents pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, which is slightly lower than the national average but higher than the state average. By investing in solar panels, you can lock in your energy costs and protect yourself from potential rate hikes in the future. Over time, the initial investment in solar panels can pay off, allowing you to enjoy long-term savings and the satisfaction of using renewable energy sources. Making the switch to solar power in Shelton is not just a smart financial decision but also a positive step toward a more sustainable lifestyle.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Shelton Washington?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Shelton 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:

  • Shelton Washington receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to work effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Shelton Washington are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Shelton Washington is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Shelton 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, which means residents won’t need to buy as much from the grid.
  • With Shelton Washington’s slightly lower electricity rates, the savings are still significant.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6 to 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 to 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. Remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, residents will 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 Shelton Washington

In conclusion, installing solar panels in Shelton, Washington can be a beneficial decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. Despite the city’s high precipitation, lower UV ratings, and cloud cover, solar panels can still effectively generate electricity and contribute to long-term savings. By making the switch to solar power, Shelton residents have the opportunity to lock in their energy costs, protect themselves from potential rate hikes, and reduce their carbon footprint. With an estimated payback period of 6 to 7 years for a standard solar system, investing in solar energy is not only a smart financial choice but also a positive step towards a more sustainable lifestyle.