Overview
Stratton Colorado residents can save money by switching to solar energy. By analyzing weather data for the area, we have determined that the amount of sunlight received throughout the year makes it an ideal location for solar panels. With the cost of electricity in Stratton, installing a solar system can lead to significant savings on monthly utility bills. We will break down the upfront costs of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for residents to break even on their investment, ultimately showing that going solar is a smart financial decision.
Stratton Colorado Weather Trends
Stratton Precipitation
With only 32.03 inches of precipitation in the last year, Stratton Colorado falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the rest of Colorado, it ranks slightly higher but still below the state average of 35.53 inches. This lower amount of rainfall means less maintenance for solar panels, making them a more reliable and cost-effective option in the long run.
Stratton’s UV Rating
Stratton Colorado boasts an average UV rating of 4.34, placing it above the national average of 4.29 and well above Colorado’s average of 4.02. The high UV rating indicates that there is ample sunlight for solar energy production in the area. With an average max UV rating of 4.72, residents can rest assured that their solar panels will be able to generate maximum energy output on sunny days.
Stratton’s Cloud Cover
At an average of 31% cloud cover in the last year, Stratton Colorado experiences fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46%. Although the state average of 33.65% is slightly higher, the overall cloud cover in Stratton remains relatively low. This means more sunshine for solar panels to harness, resulting in greater energy production for residents.
Stratton Colorado Electricity Costs
With electricity costs at $0.13/kw, residents in Stratton Colorado pay below the national average, making it a financially beneficial choice to switch to solar energy. Compared to the rest of Colorado, Stratton falls below the state average of $0.14/kw. By investing in solar panels, residents can not only save money on their monthly utility bills but also contribute to a cleaner environment for future generations.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Stratton Colorado?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Stratton 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:
- Stratton Colorado receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Stratton Colorado are close to the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Stratton Colorado is lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Stratton Colorado pay the national average for electricity, which is $0.13/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. Here’s how:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- With the average electricity cost, the savings can be calculated effectively.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Stratton Colorado. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to add up and offset the investment. Considering that solar panels last for up to 30 years, you will enjoy those savings for many years to come after the initial cost is covered. Investing in solar power is a smart way to save money and contribute to a greener environment!
Investing in solar power in Stratton Colorado
Switching to solar energy in Stratton Colorado is a financially beneficial choice for residents. With ample sunlight and lower precipitation compared to national averages, solar panels in this area require less maintenance and produce more energy. Additionally, the below-average electricity costs make it feasible for residents to save money on their monthly utility bills. By investing in a solar system, residents can expect to break even on their initial investment in about 5 years, with long-term savings and environmental benefits to follow. Going solar in Stratton Colorado is a smart financial decision that leads to a cleaner and more sustainable future.