Overview
Living in Tanacross, Alaska, installing solar panels on your home can significantly reduce your electricity costs and provide long-term financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Tanacross, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how quickly you can break even on your investment. With ample sunshine throughout the year and rising electricity prices, switching to solar power is a smart decision that can save you money in the long run.
Tanacross Alaska Weather Trends
Tanacross Precipitation
With Tanacross receiving 30.92 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national and Alaskan averages. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Alaska’s average is 57.06 inches. This means that Tanacross residents can take advantage of lower precipitation levels to ensure consistent solar panel performance, making it an ideal location for solar energy.
Tanacross’s UV Rating
Despite having a lower UV rating than the national average at 2.12, Tanacross still benefits from plenty of sunshine. In comparison, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, while Alaska’s average is 1.83. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 2.1, Tanacross receives sufficient sunlight for efficient solar panel operation, making it a prime location for harnessing solar energy.
Tanacross’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 57% cloud cover in the last year, Tanacross experiences more cloud coverage compared to the national and Alaskan averages. While the national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, Alaska’s average is 67.94%. Despite this, Tanacross still has numerous days with clear skies, allowing for optimal solar panel performance and energy generation throughout the year.
Tanacross Alaska Electricity Costs
Residents in Tanacross pay about $0.29/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw but lower than the Alaskan average of $0.34/kw. By installing solar panels, Tanacross residents can offset these electricity costs and potentially earn credits through net metering. This makes solar power a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional grid electricity.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Tanacross Alaska?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Tanacross Alaska, 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:
- Tanacross Alaska receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Tanacross Alaska are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Tanacross Alaska is higher than the national average with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Tanacross Alaska pay more 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the need to buy as much from the grid.
- Given Tanacross Alaska’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.
After doing the calculations, it appears that it would take approximately 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Tanacross Alaska. This means that after 7-8 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to surpass the initial investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar panels is not only financially beneficial but also environmentally friendly in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Tanacross Alaska
With ample sunshine, lower precipitation levels, and rising electricity costs in Tanacross, Alaska, installing solar panels is a wise decision that can lead to long-term financial savings. By harnessing the power of solar energy, residents can offset high electricity costs and potentially break even on their investment within 7-8 years. Beyond that, the savings on electricity bills will continue for many more years, making solar power a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative. Overall, switching to solar energy in Tanacross is a smart choice that can benefit both your wallet and the planet.