The average solar energy output for Seattle is 11.1 kWh/m²/day. This is based on an estimated yearly consumption of 129 kWh/m² and a daily consumption of 7.6 kWh/m². The highest recorded solar energy output for Seattle was 16.1 kWh/m²/day, which was measured in 2013. The lowest recorded value is 6.4 kWh/m²/day, which was measured in 2009.
Why is Solar Energy Popular in Seattle?
Seattle has a lot going for it. Not only is it one of the most beautiful cities in the US but it also has a very mild climate. This makes it an attractive place for residents and visitors alike. Furthermore, since Seattle is located on the west coast, it gets plenty of sunshine even in winter. This provides plenty of opportunity for the Sun God to shine down on the city and provide it with energy. With more and more people looking to reduce their carbon footprint, solar energy is becoming a popular and climate-conscious choice.
How Is Solar Energy Consumed in Seattle?
Solar energy in Seattle is met mostly through roof top photovoltaic (PV) systems. These systems generate electricity that is either stored in a battery or fed into the local power grid. It is possible to purchase a standalone system to generate and store electricity, which is then fed into the grid. Alternatively, some system designers allow for the integration of a battery pack and inverter so that the energy generated on-site can be directly used by the home or commercial building. This is a more affordable and convenient option as it does not require an external power connection.
Is Solar Energy Regulated in Seattle?
Yes, solar energy in Seattle is regulated. The allowable energy output for photovoltaic systems installed in Seattle is between 6.5 kWh/m² and 17.5 kWh/m². For additional information about the solar regulations in Seattle, visit the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) website.
How Is Solar Energy Financed In Seattle?
In Seattle, solar energy is a common way of paying for homes and businesses. This is because nearly all banks and credit cards offer zero percent interest rates for solar energy loans. This makes it incredibly affordable for homeowners and businesses to install solar panels on their roofs. It is also possible to purchase power generating systems for homes and offices. These are more expensive but can provide better results for those who implement them.
What are the Average Monthly Costs for Living in Seattle?
The average cost of living in Seattle is $4,500/mo. This is mainly because Seattle is a more expensive city to live in than the national average. The following are some of the costs that make up this average:
- Homes: The median home price in Seattle is $1,050,000, which is more than double the national average of $500,000.
- Parks: One of the things that make Seattle so beautiful is the numerous green spaces and parks that the city is blessed with. The cost of maintaining these spaces and facilities is obviously greater than the national average.
- Transportation: The cost of transportation in Seattle is also relatively high. The average one-way ticket cost in Seattle is $13.89, which is more than double the national average of $6.67.
- Utilities: The cost of utilities in Seattle is also higher than the national average. The city has a reputation for being environmentally and socially conscious, so residents are more likely to be inclined to invest in energy-efficient appliances and renewable energy sources.
What is the Recommended Sustainability Level (SHL) for Seattle?
The recommended sustainability level for Seattle is 13%. This means that residents should try to consume less and invest more in renewable energy sources and energy-efficient products.
The following are the main recommendations that make up the 13% recommended sustainability level for Seattle:
- Cut back on non-essentials (i.e. non-food-related spending)
- Consume less (i.e. less food, travel, and shopping)
- Use renewable energy sources where possible (i.e. no power plants that leak oil or hazardous substances)
- Reduce water usage
- Improve energy efficiency (i.e. upgrades to insulation, appliances, and lighting)
For many other cities and towns, the recommended sustainability level is 10%. This means that the general public should try to consume less and be more mindful about their impact on the environment when in public.
The main recommendations for towns and cities with a 10% recommended sustainability level are as follows:
- Reduce food waste
- Cut back on non-essentials
- Only buy what you need
- Consume local (when possible)
- Reduce energy usage
- Consider energy-saving modes of transport
For details about the recommended sustainability levels in Seattle and other cities and towns, visit the Green Savings Center website. This website provides a wealth of information for shoppers who are interested in sustainable and eco-friendly products.
Where can I find the best deals on solar energy equipment and supplies in Seattle?
The best places to find deals on solar energy equipment and supplies in Seattle are online. This is mainly because large retailers and online merchants offer substantial discounts to potential customers who purchase from them. Furthermore, many cities have policies and programs that encourage residents and businesses to adopt greener and more sustainable ways of living.
The best places to find online coupons and discounts for solar energy in Seattle are highlighted below.
Solar Power Systems For Home
If you’re considering investing in a solar power system for your home, you’ll need to do some research first. There are a few different systems that you can purchase, all with their perks and quirks. It’s important to keep in mind that not all solar power systems are created equal. As a general rule, the more expensive the system, the more features it usually has. The following are features to look out for when reviewing solar power systems for your home.
- Amperage (amps) Rating: This is the maximum current that the system can pull without damage (i.e. amps rating determines how much power the system can produce). In general, higher-quality systems have higher amps ratings. Keep in mind that the more amps your system has, the more expensive it usually is.
- Voltage Rating: The voltage rating of a system determines how much power it can produce relative to the power sent to it (i.e. voltage determines how much power a system generates when compared to the amount of power that is sent to it). The higher the voltage rating, the more power your system is capable of producing.
- Energy Generation: This is a measurement of how much energy the system generates relative to how much energy was sent to it (i.e. energy generation is a measurement of how much power the system produced compared to how much was sent to it). The higher the energy generation rating, the more power your system is capable of producing.
- Warranty: This is the length of time that the manufacturer guarantees that the product will perform as intended. The longer the warranty, the more assurances you have that the product you’re purchasing will be of good quality.
- Overall Rating: This is based on the ratings mentioned above (i.e. voltage, amperage, and energy generation). Overall ratings range from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 stars being the best (i.e. highest-quality and most efficient) systems.
Solar Thermal Systems For Hotels and Restaurants
If you own or operate a hotel or restaurant, you obviously need to be thinking about investing in a solar thermal system. This is because you can’t rely on the energy company to provide power to your hotel or restaurant all year long. You also need to be thinking about reducing your carbon footprint and being more eco-conscious.
Most hotels and restaurants that are serious about conservation purchase rooftop solar thermal systems with an energy storage capacity of between 10 kWh and 20 kWh. This is because most hotels and restaurants that are serious about conservation don’t need more than this. If they did, they would purchase a system with a larger capacity.
The following are the main features that you should look for in a hotel or restaurant solar thermal system: