Overview
If you’re a Sutherlin Oregon resident considering investing in solar panels for your home, you’ve come to the right place. With the financial benefits of installing a solar system in mind, let’s explore how the weather data and electricity cost in Sutherlin can impact your decision. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, you can make an informed choice that not only benefits the environment but also your wallet.
Sutherlin Oregon Weather Trends
Sutherlin Precipitation
With Sutherlin experiencing 48.92 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the rest of Oregon, Sutherlin’s precipitation levels are also lower, with the state’s average at 54.5 inches. Despite being in the lower percentiles, the amount of precipitation in Sutherlin is still substantial and can contribute to the effectiveness of a solar system.
Sutherlin’s UV Rating
Sutherlin’s average UV rating of 3.89 places it below the national average of 4.29. However, when compared to the rest of Oregon, Sutherlin ranks higher, indicating that the sun’s intensity in the area is relatively strong. With an average max UV rating of 4.41, Sutherlin surpasses both the national and state averages, making it a favorable location for harnessing solar energy.
Sutherlin’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 48%, which is higher than both the national average of 44.46% and the state average of 46.8%, Sutherlin still has a significant number of clear days. With 120 days of minimal cloud cover, there are ample opportunities for solar panels to absorb sunlight and generate energy efficiently, even with occasional cloud coverage.
Sutherlin Oregon Electricity Costs
Residents in Sutherlin pay approximately $0.11/kw for electricity, aligning with the state average but slightly below the national average of $0.13/kw. By installing solar panels, homeowners can take advantage of the lower electricity costs in Sutherlin while reducing their reliance on traditional energy sources. This not only benefits the environment but also provides long-term financial savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Sutherlin Oregon?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Sutherlin Oregon, 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:
- Sutherlin Oregon receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Sutherlin Oregon are slightly below the national average, but still favorable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Sutherlin Oregon is slightly higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Sutherlin Oregon 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 from the grid.
- With the relatively lower electricity costs in Sutherlin Oregon, the savings will still be significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Sutherlin Oregon. This means, after that initial period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels last for decades, the savings will continue for many years, making it a wise financial and environmentally-friendly choice!
Investing in solar power in Sutherlin Oregon
Considering the weather trends and electricity costs in Sutherlin Oregon, investing in solar panels can be a beneficial decision for residents. With lower precipitation levels, favorable UV ratings, and ample clear days for sunlight absorption, Sutherlin proves to be a good location for solar energy generation. Additionally, with electricity costs lower than the national average, homeowners can expect significant long-term financial savings by making the switch to solar power. By analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take around 5-7 years to break even on the initial investment, after which the savings will continue for decades. Ultimately, investing in solar panels in Sutherlin Oregon is not only financially smart but also eco-friendly, providing a sustainable energy solution for the future.