Overview
Living in Crested Butte, Colorado, you may be aware of the beauty of the outdoors that surrounds you, but have you considered harnessing the power of the sun to save money on your electricity bills? With our analysis of weather data and electricity costs specific to Crested Butte, we will show you the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, you can see how investing in solar energy can ultimately save you money in the long run.
Crested Butte Colorado Weather Trends
Crested Butte Precipitation
Living in Crested Butte means experiencing an average of 37.35 inches of precipitation per year. While this may put us below the national average of 50.61 inches, it is important to note that we receive more rain than 74% of other areas in Colorado. Harnessing solar energy can benefit from these conditions, as even on cloudy days, solar panels can still generate electricity to power your home.
Crested Butte’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 2.64, Crested Butte is known for its sunny days. This UV rating may be lower compared to the national and state averages, but it is still sufficient for effective solar panel production. Even on days with lower UV ratings, your solar panels can continue to generate electricity, saving you money in the long run.
Crested Butte’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 39%, Crested Butte still experiences a significant number of sunny days throughout the year. With 148 days having minimal cloud cover, there is ample opportunity for your solar panels to soak up the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity. Installing solar panels can take advantage of these clear days to maximize your energy savings.
Crested Butte Colorado Electricity Costs
Residents of Crested Butte pay around $0.11/kw for electricity, which is below both the national average of $0.13/kw and the state average of $0.14/kw. By investing in solar panels, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills and even generate excess energy to sell back to the grid, furthering your financial savings and contributing to a greener environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Crested Butte Colorado?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Crested Butte 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:
- Crested Butte receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar power generation.
- The UV ratings in Crested Butte are slightly lower than the national average, but they are still sufficient for solar panels to work effectively.
- Cloud cover in Crested Butte is lower than the national average, with a good number of days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Crested Butte pay slightly less 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 Crested Butte’s lower electricity rates, the savings might not be as high as in areas with higher rates, but they still add up over time.
After calculating the numbers, it seems like it would take around 11-12 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Crested Butte. This means that after 11-12 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. And with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. It’s a wise investment that not only saves you money but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
Investing in solar power in Crested Butte Colorado
Investing in solar panels in Crested Butte, Colorado can be a smart financial decision. By taking advantage of the sunny days and relatively low electricity costs in the area, you can expect to break even on your investment in around 11-12 years. This means that after this initial period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the cost of installation. With solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Not only does investing in solar energy save you money, but it also contributes to a more sustainable and greener future for Crested Butte.