Overview
In sunny Tumwater, Washington, installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the long run. By analyzing a year’s worth of weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can show you how much you can expect to save on your monthly bills. With the cost of a solar system broken down and the estimated time to break even, you can see for yourself the financial benefits of going solar in Tumwater.
Tumwater Washington Weather Trends
Tumwater Precipitation
With 50.77 inches of precipitation in the last year, Tumwater Washington is slightly above the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the rest of Washington, Tumwater is ahead of the curve at 57th percentile. By harnessing the power of solar energy in a place like Tumwater, where rain is common, you can take advantage of a renewable energy source regardless of the weather.
Tumwater’s UV Rating
At an average UV rating of 3.57, Tumwater Washington is below the national average of 4.29 but slightly above the state average of 3.64. The lower UV rating means that solar panels can still be effective in Tumwater, providing a reliable source of clean energy throughout the year. This makes Tumwater a suitable location for solar energy production.
Tumwater’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 56% cloud cover in the last year, Tumwater Washington experiences more clouds than the national average of 44.46% but less than the state average of 49.1%. Despite the cloud coverage, Tumwater still has a significant number of days with clear skies, making it a viable location for solar panel installation. Solar panels can generate electricity even on cloudy days, ensuring a consistent source of energy for your home.
Tumwater Washington Electricity Costs
Residents of Tumwater pay about $0.11 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is below the national average of $0.13/kw but slightly above the state average of $0.1/kw. By investing in solar panels, you can reduce your dependence on traditional electricity sources, ultimately lowering your monthly utility bills. With the cost of solar decreasing and the sun as a free source of energy, going solar in Tumwater is a financially wise decision.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Tumwater Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Tumwater 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:
- Tumwater Washington receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Tumwater Washington are slightly below the national average, but they are still adequate for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Tumwater Washington is higher than the national average, with some days having almost complete cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Tumwater Washington 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 lower electricity rates in Tumwater Washington, the savings may take a bit longer to cover the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it seems like it would take around 6 to 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 to 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will help pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many years after the initial payback period. Investing in solar energy is not only a smart financial decision but also a way to contribute to a greener environment.
Investing in solar power in Tumwater Washington
Installing solar panels in Tumwater, Washington is a smart financial decision that can lead to significant savings on electricity bills in the long run. Despite slightly higher than average precipitation and cloud cover, Tumwater still receives enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective. Considering the lower electricity costs in the area, investing in solar energy can help you break even on the initial cost in approximately 6 to 7 years. The savings from using solar power will continue well beyond the payback period, making it a wise and sustainable choice for your home in Tumwater.