Overview
If you’re looking to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home in La Junta Colorado could be a smart investment. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to our area, we can show you how much you can save over time by switching to solar power. With the sunny climate and high UV ratings, La Junta is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. We’ll break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even, making the switch to solar an attractive financial decision for La Junta residents.
La Junta Colorado Weather Trends
La Junta Precipitation
With only 22.42 inches of precipitation in the last year, La Junta Colorado is in the 7th percentile nationwide and the 20th percentile in Colorado. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Colorado’s average of 35.53 inches, La Junta’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
La Junta’s UV Rating
La Junta Colorado boasts an impressive average UV rating of 6.15, placing it in the 97th percentile nationwide and the 94th percentile in Colorado. This high UV rating, along with an average max UV rating of 6.77, outshines the national average of 4.29 and Colorado’s average of 4.02. The abundant sunshine in La Junta makes solar energy production efficient and cost-effective.
La Junta’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 26% cloud cover in the last year, La Junta Colorado ranks in the 4th percentile nationwide and the 9th percentile in Colorado. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% and Colorado’s average is 33.65%. La Junta’s clear skies provide ample sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity consistently throughout the year.
La Junta Colorado Electricity Costs
Residents of La Junta Colorado pay $0.17 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 95th percentile nationwide and the 97th percentile in Colorado. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw and Colorado’s average is $0.14/kw. With higher-than-average electricity costs in La Junta, switching to solar power can lead to significant savings in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in La Junta Colorado?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in La Junta 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:
- La Junta Colorado receives less precipitation than the national average, providing ample sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in La Junta Colorado are higher than the national average, making it an ideal location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in La Junta Colorado is lower than the national average, with a majority of days having minimal cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in La Junta Colorado 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 need to buy as much from the grid.
- With La Junta Colorado’s higher electricity rates, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, you will continue to benefit from these savings for years to come. Investing in solar panels is not only a financially wise decision but also a sustainable way to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in La Junta Colorado
Switching to solar power in La Junta Colorado can be a wise financial decision for residents. The weather trends in the area, including low precipitation levels, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, make it an ideal location for solar panel installation. Additionally, with electricity costs higher than the national average, the savings from using solar power can add up over time. By analyzing the data, it is evident that investing in solar panels could lead to breaking even in about 8-10 years. Not only will this investment save you money in the long run, but it is also a sustainable choice that benefits the environment. Consider the long-term benefits of solar energy when making decisions about powering your home in La Junta.