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Solar and Electricity Data for Kittredge, CO: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Kittredge, CO at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.9/10 9.2/10 7.5/10 3.5/10 4.3/10
Not Bad 31% daily 3 inches monthly 3.8 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

In Kittredge, Colorado, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Kittredge, it is evident that solar energy is a wise investment. With the average yearly cost of electricity and the amount of sunlight the area receives, homeowners can expect to break even on their solar system in a reasonable amount of time, ultimately saving money in the long run.

Kittredge Colorado Weather Trends

Kittredge Precipitation

With Kittredge receiving 38.83 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is important to note that this puts the town in the 25th percentile in the nation and the 77th percentile in Colorado. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches while Colorado’s average is 35.53 inches. This means that Kittredge receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.

Kittredge’s UV Rating

Considering Kittredge’s average UV rating of 3.78 in the last year, it is evident that the town falls in the 35th percentile in the nation and the 40th percentile in Colorado. Comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and Colorado’s average of 4.02, Kittredge’s UV rating may seem lower. However, with an average max UV rating of 4.1, which is in the 34th percentile nationally and the 41st percentile in Colorado, Kittredge still benefits from a sufficient amount of sunlight for effective solar energy production.

Kittredge’s Cloud Cover

Having an average of 31% cloud cover in the last year, Kittredge ranks in the 8th percentile in the nation and the 53rd percentile in Colorado. In comparison, the national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, while Colorado’s average is 33.65%. With a significant number of days with lower cloud cover percentages, such as 177 days with up to 25% cloud cover, Kittredge provides ample sunshine for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.

Kittredge Colorado Electricity Costs

Residents in Kittredge pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, placing the town in the 43rd percentile nationally and the 3rd percentile in Colorado. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Colorado’s average is $0.14/kw. Due to the lower electricity costs in Kittredge, investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings and a more sustainable energy source for the community.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Kittredge Colorado?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Kittredge, Colorado, 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:

  • Kittredge receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Kittredge are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Kittredge is lower than the national average, with a good number of clear days throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Kittredge pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar power a cost-effective option.

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 buy as much from the grid.
  • With Kittredge’s lower electricity rates, the savings might accrue a bit slower, but they will still add up over time.

After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to outweigh the initial investment. Considering that solar panels last for a long time, the savings will continue to accumulate for many years beyond that initial period. It’s a wise financial decision and a step towards sustainable energy use!

Investing in solar power in Kittredge Colorado

Installing solar panels in Kittredge, Colorado is not only environmentally friendly but also financially beneficial. By examining the weather trends and electricity costs specific to the area, it is evident that homeowners can expect to break even on their solar system investment in around 6-7 years. With lower electricity costs and ample sunlight, Kittredge is an ideal location for solar panel installation, ultimately leading to significant long-term savings and a more sustainable energy source for the community.