Overview
Living in Wallula, Washington comes with its fair share of unpredictable weather, with an average of 22 inches of precipitation annually and varying levels of cloud cover throughout the year. However, when it comes to harnessing the power of the sun, Wallula is actually an ideal location for installing solar panels. With an average max UV rating of 7, an average UV rating of 5, and relatively low levels of cloud cover, solar panels in Wallula have the potential to generate significant electricity savings for residents. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, residents can see the long-term financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy.
Wallula Washington Weather Trends
Wallula Precipitation
With only 10.84 inches of precipitation in the last year, Wallula is in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 4th percentile in Washington. This means that compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Washington’s average of 45.64 inches, Wallula receives significantly less rainfall, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Wallula’s UV Rating
Wallula had an average UV rating of 4.48, placing it in the 64th percentile in the nation and the 97th percentile in Washington. With the national average at 4.29 and Washington’s average at 3.64, Wallula receives ample sunlight for solar energy production. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 4.91 in Wallula further solidifies its suitability for solar panel installation.
Wallula’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 35%, Wallula is still in the 14th percentile in the nation and the 4th percentile in Washington. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Washington’s average of 49.1%, Wallula experiences relatively low levels of cloud cover. With a significant number of clear days, Wallula offers optimal conditions for solar panels to generate electricity.
Wallula Washington Electricity Costs
Wallula residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing them in the 74th percentile in the nation and the 99th percentile in Washington. While the national average is also $0.13/kw, Washington’s average is lower at $0.1/kw. By installing solar panels, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources, ultimately saving money and contributing to a more sustainable future.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Wallula Washington?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Wallula, 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:
- Wallula, Washington receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Wallula are slightly higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Wallula is lower than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Resident in Wallula, Washington pay the national average for electricity, which is $0.13/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 purchase as much from the grid.
- With the average electricity rates in Wallula, the savings from using solar power are not as high compared to other locations.
After running the numbers, it appears that it would take around 15 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Wallula, Washington. This means, after 15 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years beyond the initial investment period. Investing in solar energy is a smart financial and environmentally friendly choice for the long term.
Investing in solar power in Wallula Washington
Living in Wallula, Washington provides residents with an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. With low levels of precipitation, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, solar panels in Wallula have the potential to generate significant electricity savings. By investing in solar energy, residents can expect to break even on their initial costs in about 15 years. This means that not only will they be saving money in the long run, but they will also be contributing to a more sustainable future. Making the switch to solar power in Wallula is a smart financial and environmentally friendly choice for residents looking to reduce their electricity bills and make a positive impact on the environment.