Overview
If you live in Washington Utah, you may be considering whether solar panels are a good investment for your home. By analyzing a year’s worth of weather data and electricity costs, we can show you how installing solar panels can save you money in the long run. We will break down the initial cost of a solar system, estimate the time it will take to break even, and highlight the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy.
Washington Utah Weather Trends
Washington Precipitation
With only 9.53 inches of precipitation in the last year, Washington Utah is in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 10th percentile in Utah. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Utah’s average of 25.26 inches, Washington’s low precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar energy.
Washington’s UV Rating
Washington Utah’s average UV rating of 5.2 places it in the 83rd percentile in the nation and the 96th percentile in Utah. With an average max UV rating of 5.89, Washington ranks in the 75th percentile nationwide and the 95th percentile in Utah, indicating ample sunlight for solar panel efficiency compared to national and state averages.
Washington’s Cloud Cover
Washington Utah boasts an average cloud cover of 18%, ranking it in the 1st percentile in both the nation and Utah. With significantly lower cloud cover compared to the national average of 44.46% and Utah’s average of 31.68%, Washington enjoys clear skies for solar panels to capture maximum sunlight throughout the year.
Washington Utah Electricity Costs
Residents of Washington Utah pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, placing Washington in the 5th percentile in the nation and the 23rd percentile in Utah. With the national average for residential electricity at $0.13/kw, transitioning to solar energy can offer substantial savings to Washington residents compared to the rest of the country and the state of Utah.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Washington Utah?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Washington Utah, 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 Utah receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Washington Utah are higher than the national average, making it a good place for solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Washington Utah is lower than the national average, with a majority of days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Washington Utah 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:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed to be bought from the grid.
- With Washington Utah’s lower electricity costs, the savings will take longer to cover the initial investment.
Considering all factors, it is estimated that it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Washington Utah. This means that after this time, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and make up for the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you can continue to enjoy these savings for many years to come. It’s a financially prudent decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Washington Utah
With the combination of ideal weather conditions and lower electricity costs in Washington Utah, investing in solar panels for your home can be a wise financial decision. By analyzing the data, we can estimate that it would take around 8-10 years to break even on the initial cost of installation. After this time, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate, providing long-term financial benefits. Not only does this switch to solar energy save you money, but it also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. So, if you’re considering making the switch to solar power in Washington Utah, the numbers suggest it’s a smart investment to consider.