Solar By City

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

Austin, CO at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
6.5/10 8.5/10 4.9/10 10/10 9.2/10
Pretty Good 36% daily 4 inches monthly 7 on average 0.15/kw

Overview

Are you tired of high electricity bills in Austin, Colorado? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for! By analyzing weather data for the area, we can show you how much money you could save by harnessing the power of the sun. With the cost of solar panels decreasing in recent years, the initial investment is more affordable than ever. In this article, we will break down the costs of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to save money and help the environment – go solar today!

Austin Colorado Weather Trends

Austin Precipitation

With Austin, Colorado receiving 51.3 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area experiences a fair amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Austin falls just above average. However, in comparison to the rest of Colorado, Austin ranks in the 90th percentile, indicating higher levels of precipitation in the state. By harnessing solar power, residents can take advantage of sunny days in between rain showers to generate electricity sustainably.

Austin’s UV Rating

Looking at the UV ratings, Austin, Colorado boasts an average rating of 6.97, making it one of the sunniest places to be. In fact, Austin ranks at the top percentile both nationally and within Colorado. With an average max UV rating of 7.34, residents can expect ample sunlight to power their solar panels efficiently. Compared to the national average of 4.29 for UV rating, Austin shines brightly, offering great potential for solar energy production.

Austin’s Cloud Cover

Considering cloud cover, Austin, Colorado enjoys an average of 36%, indicating a good amount of sunshine throughout the year. While the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, Austin falls below this mark, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation. With 104 days of minimal cloud cover, residents have plenty of opportunities to maximize their solar energy production and reduce reliance on traditional electricity sources.

Austin Colorado Electricity Costs

Residents in Austin, Colorado pay around $0.15 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is slightly above the national average of $0.13/kw. However, when compared to the rest of Colorado, Austin’s electricity costs are lower, sitting at the 76th percentile in the state. By investing in solar panels, residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills over time, taking advantage of the sunny weather in Austin to generate their power sustainably.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Austin, 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:

  • Austin receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has plenty of sunny days for solar panels to work effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Austin are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
  • Austin has slightly lower cloud cover compared to the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Austin pay a bit 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, which means you won’t need to buy as much from the grid.
  • With Austin’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are even greater.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money you save on electricity bills will start adding up and pay off the investment. Plus, since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. Not only is it a smart way to save money, but it also helps the environment by reducing your carbon footprint!

Investing in solar power in Austin Colorado

With the abundant sunlight, high UV ratings, and relatively low cloud cover in Austin, Colorado, installing solar panels is a smart investment for residents looking to save money and help the environment. By harnessing solar power, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills over time, breaking even on your initial investment in just a few years. Making the switch to solar energy is not only financially beneficial but also contributes to a more sustainable future for Austin and beyond!