Overview
In Wrangell, Alaska, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will show you how a solar system can help you break even on your investment sooner than you may think. With low precipitation levels, high UV ratings, and relatively clear skies, Wrangell is an ideal location for harnessing the power of the sun to generate clean, renewable energy for your home.
Wrangell Alaska Weather Trends
Wrangell Precipitation
With Wrangell, Alaska receiving 123.98 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the city experiences higher levels of precipitation compared to both the national and Alaska averages. The national average for total precipitation is only 50.61 inches, while Alaska’s average is 57.06 inches. Despite the high levels of precipitation in Wrangell, installing solar panels can still prove to be a wise investment over time.
Wrangell’s UV Rating
Wrangell, Alaska’s average UV rating of 2.33 indicates lower sun exposure compared to the national average of 4.29. However, the city’s UV rating is higher than Alaska’s average of 1.83. While Wrangell may not have the highest UV ratings, the presence of sunlight throughout the year can still greatly benefit the efficiency of solar panels. In fact, with an average max UV rating of 2.41, Wrangell is in a good position to generate renewable energy through solar power.
Wrangell’s Cloud Cover
Wrangell, Alaska experienced an average cloud cover of 69% in the last year. This places the city in the higher percentiles compared to both the national and Alaska averages. With a national average of 44.46% for cloud cover and an Alaska average of 67.94%, Wrangell’s higher cloud cover might seem challenging for solar energy production. However, the clear days between the cloud cover can still allow for effective use of solar panels to generate electricity.
Wrangell Alaska Electricity Costs
Wrangell residents pay about $0.29/kw for electricity, which is higher than both the national average of $0.13/kw and Alaska’s average of $0.34/kw. Despite the higher electricity costs in Wrangell, installing solar panels can help homeowners significantly reduce their electricity bills in the long run. By generating their own clean and renewable energy, residents can break free from the fluctuating costs of traditional grid electricity, saving money and contributing to a sustainable future.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Wrangell Alaska?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Wrangell Alaska, 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:
- Wrangell Alaska receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Wrangell Alaska are lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Wrangell Alaska is higher than the national average, with a significant number of days having between 75% and 100% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Wrangell Alaska pay more 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, especially in a region with higher electricity costs like Wrangell Alaska.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Plus, with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, you’ll enjoy those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart investment that saves money and benefits the environment as well!
Investing in solar power in Wrangell Alaska
Installing solar panels in Wrangell, Alaska can be a financially wise decision with the potential for significant savings over time. Despite the city’s high precipitation levels and lower UV ratings compared to national averages, the presence of sunlight throughout the year still makes Wrangell a suitable location for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, despite higher electricity costs in Wrangell, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels within 6-7 years. This means that not only will homeowners save money on electricity bills in the long run, but they will also be contributing to a more sustainable future by generating clean and renewable energy for their homes. Overall, investing in solar panels in Wrangell, Alaska is a smart choice that offers both financial benefits and environmental advantages.