Overview
In Skykomish, Washington, installing solar panels on your home could lead to significant long-term savings on electricity costs. By analyzing weather data and average electricity rates, we can estimate how quickly a solar system could pay for itself in this region. With ample sunshine throughout the year and the potential to offset high electricity expenses, investing in solar power can be a wise financial decision for residents of Skykomish.
Skykomish Washington Weather Trends
Skykomish Precipitation
In the last year, Skykomish, Washington received 111.41 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 99th percentile both nationally and within Washington state. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Washington’s average is 45.64 inches. Despite Skykomish’s high precipitation levels, the ample sunlight in the region makes it an ideal candidate for solar panel installation.
Skykomish’s UV Rating
Over the past year, Skykomish, Washington had an average UV rating of 2.84, placing it in the 1st percentile nationally and the 2nd percentile within Washington. In comparison, the national average for UV rating is 4.29, while Washington’s average is 3.64. Additionally, Skykomish had an average max UV rating of 3.19, ranking it in the 11th percentile nationally and the 8th percentile within the state. These high UV ratings make solar energy production highly efficient in Skykomish.
Skykomish’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 58% cloud cover over the past year, Skykomish, Washington ranks in the 94th percentile nationally and the 91st percentile within the state. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Washington’s average is 49.1%. Although Skykomish experiences a significant number of cloudy days, the overall solar potential remains strong, making it a viable option for solar panel installation.
Skykomish Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Skykomish, Washington pay approximately $0.08/kw for electricity, positioning the town in the 1st percentile nationally and the 18th percentile within Washington for electricity costs. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Washington’s average is $0.1/kw. With relatively low electricity costs, investing in solar panels can provide significant long-term savings for Skykomish residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Skykomish Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Skykomish 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:
- Skykomish Washington receives significantly more precipitation than the national average, which may impact solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Skykomish Washington are lower than the national average, which could affect solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Skykomish Washington is higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Skykomish Washington pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar energy savings less pronounced.
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, offsetting the need to buy as much from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Skykomish Washington, the savings may take longer to offset the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it could take around 8-10 years for residents of Skykomish Washington to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for 25-30 years, residents will continue to enjoy these savings for many years. It’s a wise investment for long-term financial and environmental benefits.
Investing in solar power in Skykomish Washington
Installing solar panels in Skykomish, Washington can be a smart choice for residents looking to save money on electricity bills in the long run. Despite the region’s high precipitation levels and lower UV ratings compared to national averages, the ample sunlight and relatively low electricity costs make solar energy a viable option. By breaking even on the initial investment in around 8-10 years, residents can enjoy significant savings over the lifespan of the solar panels. This investment not only benefits financially but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable environment for the future.