Overview
Living in Washington, North Carolina, you may be wondering if investing in solar panels for your home is worth it. With our analysis of the local weather data and electricity costs, we have found that installing solar panels can save you a significant amount of money in the long run. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, we aim to show you the financial benefits of going solar in Washington, North Carolina.
Washington North Carolina Weather Trends
Washington Precipitation
Living in Washington, North Carolina, you may have noticed the significant amount of precipitation the area receives. With 73.79 inches of precipitation in the last year, Washington is in the 93rd percentile in the nation and the 86th percentile in North Carolina. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and North Carolina’s average of 65.54 inches, it is clear that Washington sees above-average rainfall.
Washington’s UV Rating
When it comes to UV exposure, Washington, North Carolina, has an average rating of 4.89, placing it in the 76th percentile in the nation and the 72nd percentile in North Carolina. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and North Carolina’s average of 4.72, Washington experiences higher levels of UV radiation. With an average max UV rating of 5.22, Washington is in the 61st percentile nationally and the 65th percentile in the state.
Washington’s Cloud Cover
Despite the occasional cloudy days, Washington, North Carolina, has an average cloud cover of 41% in the last year. This places Washington in the 35th percentile in the nation and the 52nd percentile in North Carolina. With the national average for cloud cover at 44.46% and North Carolina’s average at 42.57%, Washington enjoys relatively clear skies. In the past year, Washington had a mix of days with varying cloud cover percentages, providing ample sunlight for solar panel efficiency.
Washington North Carolina Electricity Costs
Residents of Washington, North Carolina, pay around $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 74th percentile nationally and the 86th percentile in the state in terms of electricity costs. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and North Carolina’s average of $0.12/kw, Washington’s electricity rates are slightly higher. By investing in solar panels, you can take control of your electricity costs and reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Washington North Carolina?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Washington North Carolina, 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:
- Washington North Carolina receives more precipitation than the national average, but still has enough sunshine for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Washington North Carolina are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Washington North Carolina is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Washington North Carolina pay the same amount for electricity as 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, which means we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
- With Washington North Carolina’s electricity rates in mind, the savings are considerable.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 5 to 6 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment at the same time!
Investing in solar power in Washington North Carolina
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Washington, North Carolina, it is clear that investing in solar panels for your home can lead to significant long-term savings. With above-average UV ratings and slightly lower cloud cover, Washington provides ample sunlight for solar panel efficiency. Additionally, the electricity costs in the city are comparable to the national average, making solar a financially viable option. By breaking down the costs and estimating the time it would take to break even on a solar installation, we found that it would take around 5 to 6 years to cover the initial investment. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate, making solar panels a smart financial decision for residents of Washington, North Carolina.