Overview
Are you an Umatilla Oregon resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’re looking for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we will show you how investing in solar can pay off in the long run. With detailed information on the cost of a solar system and the estimated time it will take to break even, you can make an informed decision on whether solar energy is the right choice for you.
Umatilla Oregon Weather Trends
Umatilla Precipitation
With only 10.9 inches of precipitation in the last year, Umatilla is in the 2nd percentile nationwide and the 1st percentile in Oregon. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Oregon’s average of 54.5 inches, Umatilla’s low precipitation levels make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
Umatilla’s UV Rating
Umatilla’s average UV rating of 4.44 places it in the 63rd percentile in the nation and the 98th percentile in Oregon. When compared to the national average of 4.29 and Oregon’s average of 3.7, it is evident that Umatilla receives ample sunlight to efficiently power solar panels. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 4.85 further emphasizes Umatilla’s solar potential.
Umatilla’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 35% cloud cover, Umatilla ranks in the 13th percentile nationally and the 1st percentile in Oregon. Comparatively, the national average for average cloud cover is 44.46% and Oregon’s average is 46.8%. With a significant number of clear days, Umatilla offers optimal conditions for solar panel efficiency.
Umatilla Oregon Electricity Costs
Umatilla residents benefit from low electricity costs, paying only $0.1/kw. This places Umatilla in the 7th percentile nationwide and the 23rd percentile in Oregon. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Oregon’s average is $0.11/kw. By investing in solar energy, Umatilla residents can further reduce their electricity expenses and contribute to a more sustainable future.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Umatilla Oregon?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Umatilla 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:
- Umatilla Oregon gets significantly less rain than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Umatilla Oregon are slightly above the national average, making it a suitable location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Umatilla Oregon is lower than the national average, allowing for more sunlight to reach the solar panels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Umatilla Oregon pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.10/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 amount needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- With Umatilla Oregon’s lower electricity rates, the savings will be slightly lower compared to the national average.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for 25-30 years, there will be many years of cost savings and environmental benefits to enjoy after the initial payback period. Investing in solar panels in Umatilla Oregon seems like a smart financial and eco-friendly choice!
Investing in solar power in Umatilla Oregon
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Umatilla, Oregon, it is clear that investing in solar panels can be a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for residents. With low precipitation, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, Umatilla provides optimal conditions for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, with electricity costs lower than the national average, residents can expect to break even on their solar panel investment within 7-8 years. Not only will this result in long-term savings on electricity bills, but it will also contribute to a more sustainable future. Therefore, considering the financial and environmental benefits, installing solar panels in Umatilla, Oregon, is a wise decision for those looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.