Overview
In Creede, Colorado, the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home are clear. With the cost of electricity on the rise and abundant sunshine throughout the year, switching to solar power can save you money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Creede, we break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how quickly you can expect to see a return on your investment.
Creede Colorado Weather Trends
Creede Precipitation
With only 19.39 inches of precipitation in the last year, Creede Colorado is in the 5th percentile nationwide and the 15th percentile in Colorado. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and Colorado’s average is 35.53 inches. This means Creede receives significantly less rainfall than most areas, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar power.
Creede’s UV Rating
Creede’s average UV rating of 3.32 places it in the 11th percentile nationally and the 19th percentile in Colorado. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, and Colorado’s average is 4.02. In addition, Creede’s average max UV rating of 3.6 places it in the 21st percentile nationwide and the 22nd percentile in Colorado. These UV ratings indicate that Creede receives a high amount of sunlight, making it a perfect place for solar panel installation.
Creede’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 27% cloud cover in the last year, Creede is in the 5th percentile nationally and the 19th percentile in Colorado. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Colorado’s average is 33.65%. Creede had a significant number of days with minimal cloud cover, making it an optimal location for solar energy production throughout the year.
Creede Colorado Electricity Costs
Residents of Creede pay about $0.15/kw for electricity, placing the town in the 92nd percentile nationally and the 73rd percentile in Colorado. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Colorado’s average is $0.14/kw. By switching to solar power, Creede residents can save significantly on their electricity bills while contributing to a cleaner environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Creede Colorado?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Creede, 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:
- Creede receives less precipitation than the national average, creating good conditions for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Creede are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Creede is lower than the national average, with some variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Creede pay slightly 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 purchase from the grid.
- With Creede’s higher electricity rates, the savings will be significant.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and compensate for the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the payback period. Investing in solar panels is a wise financial decision that not only saves money but also benefits the environment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Creede Colorado
Installing solar panels in Creede, Colorado is a financially beneficial decision. With ample sunlight, low precipitation, and minimal cloud cover, the conditions in Creede are ideal for harnessing solar power. Additionally, the higher electricity costs in the town make switching to solar energy a cost-effective choice. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to Creede, we have determined that it would take approximately 7 years to break even on the initial investment in solar panels. This means that beyond the payback period, residents can continue to save money on their electricity bills while also contributing to a cleaner environment. Investing in solar panels in Creede is not only a wise financial move but also a sustainable one for the long term.