Solar By City

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

Rico, CO at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5/10 8.5/10 6.7/10 0.2/10 9.4/10
Pretty Good 36% daily 4 inches monthly 2.9 on average 0.16/kw

Overview

Looking to save money on electricity bills in Rico Colorado? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Rico, we have determined that the financial benefits of a solar system in this area are significant. Learn how you can break even on your investment in a short amount of time and start saving money with solar power today.

Rico Colorado Weather Trends

Rico Precipitation

With Rico Colorado receiving 42.66 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 33rd percentile in the nation and the 82nd percentile in Colorado. This means Rico has slightly lower precipitation levels compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and higher levels than the Colorado average of 35.53 inches. Investing in solar panels can help you save money on electricity bills, especially in a region with lower rainfall compared to other parts of the country.

Rico’s UV Rating

In the last year, Rico Colorado had an average UV rating of 2.9, placing it in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 7th percentile in Colorado. Although Rico receives less intense sunlight compared to other areas, it is still a viable location for solar panel installation. With an average max UV rating of 3.04, Rico remains in a relatively low percentile nationally and in Colorado. Embracing solar power can help you take advantage of the sunlight available in Rico.

Rico’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 36% cloud cover in the last year, Rico Colorado stands in the 15th percentile in the nation and the 74th percentile in Colorado. Rico experiences fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46% and the Colorado average of 33.65%. This means that installing solar panels in Rico can result in more consistent energy production throughout the year, thanks to the lower cloud cover percentages.

Rico Colorado Electricity Costs

Residents in Rico Colorado pay about $0.16/kw for electricity, ranking Rico in the 94th percentile in the nation and the 88th percentile in Colorado. Despite higher electricity costs than the national average of $0.13/kw and the Colorado average of $0.14/kw, switching to solar power can significantly reduce your monthly utility bills. Investing in solar panels can help you combat the high electricity costs in Rico and save money in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Rico 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:

  • Rico Colorado gets slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Rico Colorado are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Rico Colorado is lower than the national average, which is beneficial for solar panel performance.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Rico Colorado pay higher electricity rates 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 amount purchased from the grid.
  • With higher electricity rates in Rico Colorado, the savings from using solar power are more significant.

After crunching the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and repay the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Rico Colorado

By analyzing the weather data specific to Rico Colorado and considering the high electricity costs in the region, it is evident that investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings in the long run. With lower precipitation levels, sufficient UV ratings, and lower cloud cover percentages, Rico is a suitable location for solar panel installation. Despite the higher electricity rates in Rico, breaking even on a solar system investment could take approximately 5 years. This means that after this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate, making solar power a smart and cost-effective choice for residents in Rico Colorado.