Overview
If you’re a homeowner in Spokane, Washington, you might be wondering if installing solar panels is worth the investment. We’ve crunched the numbers to show you that not only can solar panels help you reduce your carbon footprint, but they can also save you money on your electricity bill in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Spokane, we’ll break down the initial cost of a solar system, estimate how long it will take to break even, and demonstrate how you can start saving money while helping the environment.
Spokane Washington Weather Trends
Spokane Precipitation
With 23.56 inches of precipitation in the last year, Spokane Washington falls into the 8th percentile nationwide and the 24th percentile within the state. This lower amount of precipitation compared to the national and state averages means that solar panels in Spokane are less likely to be impacted by rainy weather, increasing their efficiency and helping you save money in the long run.
Spokane’s UV Rating
Spokane Washington had an average UV rating of 3.67, placing it in the 28th percentile in the country and the 73rd percentile in Washington. Although it may not receive as much sunlight as other areas, Spokane still enjoys a decent amount of sun exposure. By harnessing this sunlight with solar panels, you can generate your electricity and reduce your reliance on the grid, saving money on your energy bills.
Spokane’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 44%, Spokane ranks in the 49th percentile nationally and the 31st percentile in Washington. These moderate cloud cover percentages indicate that there are plenty of sunny days in Spokane, ideal for generating solar energy. By installing solar panels, you can take advantage of these clear skies to power your home efficiently and economically.
Spokane Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Spokane pay around $0.08/kw for electricity, placing them in the 1st percentile across the nation and the 22nd percentile in Washington. Compared to the national and state averages of $0.13/kw and $0.1/kw respectively, Spokane residents enjoy lower electricity costs. By switching to solar power, you can further reduce your energy expenses and protect yourself from future electricity rate increases.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Spokane Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Spokane 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:
- Spokane Washington receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Spokane Washington are slightly lower than the national average, but still conducive for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Spokane Washington is around the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Spokane Washington pay less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.08/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 from the grid.
- With the low electricity rates in Spokane Washington, the savings may take longer to accumulate compared to other locations.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. And given that solar panels last for a couple of decades, you’ll be enjoying savings for many years ahead. It’s a wise investment for long-term cost savings and environmental benefits!
Investing in solar power in Spokane Washington
By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Spokane, Washington, we have determined that investing in solar panels can be beneficial for homeowners in the long run. With lower precipitation levels, decent sun exposure, and moderate cloud cover, Spokane is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, residents of Spokane enjoy lower electricity costs compared to the national average, further increasing the potential savings from using solar power. Based on our calculations, it would take around 6-7 years to break even on the initial cost of installing solar panels, after which homeowners can start enjoying significant savings on their electricity bills. Overall, investing in solar panels in Spokane is a wise decision for those looking for long-term cost savings and environmental benefits.