Overview
Living in Skamokawa, Washington, one of the rainiest areas in the state, can lead to high electricity bills due to the need for constant heating and lighting. However, harnessing solar energy can help you save money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Skamokawa, we will break down the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home. With the right system, you can start saving on your electricity bills and recoup your investment in a surprisingly short amount of time.
Skamokawa Washington Weather Trends
Skamokawa Precipitation
With 82.2 inches of precipitation in the last year, Skamokawa falls in the 98th percentile in the nation and the 91st percentile in Washington. This high amount of rain can lead to increased electricity usage for heating and lighting. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Washington’s average of 45.64 inches, Skamokawa’s precipitation levels make it a prime candidate for harnessing solar energy.
Skamokawa’s UV Rating
Skamokawa Washington’s average UV rating of 3.33 places it in the 12th percentile in the nation and the 19th percentile in Washington. With an average max UV rating of 3.53, Skamokawa ranks in the 19th percentile in the nation and the 22nd percentile in Washington. While lower than the national average of 4.29 and 4.61, and Washington’s average of 3.64 and 3.97 respectively, there is still ample sunlight to generate solar power.
Skamokawa’s Cloud Cover
Skamokawa had an average of 59% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 94th percentile in the nation and the 93rd percentile in Washington. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Washington’s average is 49.1%. Despite the high cloud cover, there are still plenty of opportunities for solar energy generation throughout the year in Skamokawa.
Skamokawa Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Skamokawa pay about $0.09/kw for electricity, ranking in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 30th percentile in Washington. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Washington’s average of $0.1/kw, Skamokawa residents already benefit from lower electricity costs. By installing solar panels, you can further decrease your electricity bills and take advantage of the savings in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Skamokawa Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Skamokawa 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:
- Skamokawa Washington receives more precipitation than the national average, which can affect sunlight exposure for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Skamokawa Washington are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Skamokawa Washington is higher than the national average, with a significant number of days having high cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Skamokawa Washington pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which could affect the potential savings from 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. Here’s how:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Skamokawa Washington, the savings might take longer to offset the initial cost.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Skamokawa Washington. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Keep in mind that solar panels have a long lifespan, so you’ll continue to benefit from those savings for many years to come. Investing in solar power is a smart choice for both your finances and the environment.
Investing in solar power in Skamokawa Washington
Installing solar panels in Skamokawa, Washington can be a wise financial decision. With high levels of precipitation and cloud cover, as well as lower electricity costs, the benefits of generating solar energy are promising. By investing in a solar system, you can expect to break even on your initial investment in around 8-10 years. After that, the savings on your electricity bills will continue to accumulate, making solar panels a cost-effective solution for both your wallet and the environment in the long run.