Overview
This article highlights the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Brighton, Colorado. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even. With plenty of sunshine throughout the year, investing in solar can save you money in the long run while reducing your carbon footprint.
Brighton Colorado Weather Trends
Brighton Precipitation
With only 26.77 inches of precipitation in the last year, Brighton Colorado is drier than most areas in the country, ranking in the 9th percentile nationally. Compared to the rest of Colorado, Brighton falls in the 35th percentile. This means that the abundance of sunshine in Brighton makes it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
Brighton’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.06, Brighton Colorado ranks around the middle compared to the rest of the country and the state. The ample sunshine in Brighton, especially with an average max UV rating of 4.49, makes it a great place to maximize solar energy production. Investing in solar panels can take advantage of this natural resource to lower your energy bills.
Brighton’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 33% cloud cover, Brighton Colorado enjoys more sunshine than most areas in the nation, ranking in the 11th percentile. Comparatively, within Colorado, Brighton is in the 68th percentile in terms of cloud cover. This means that Brighton residents have plenty of clear days to generate solar power and save money on their electricity bills.
Brighton Colorado Electricity Costs
At just $0.13/kw for electricity, Brighton Colorado offers residents lower electricity costs compared to both the national average and the state average. This makes investing in solar panels a financially smart choice, as it allows you to lock in your energy costs and potentially even sell excess energy back to the grid, further increasing your savings while reducing your carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Brighton Colorado?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Brighton 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:
- Brighton Colorado receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Brighton Colorado are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Brighton Colorado is lower than the national average, with a good amount of sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Brighton Colorado pay the national average for electricity, making it a cost-effective option to switch to solar power.
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 needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- With Brighton Colorado’s average electricity costs, the savings can add up over time.
After considering all factors, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to make up for the investment. Since solar panels last for many years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for a long time, making it a worthwhile investment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Brighton Colorado
Investing in solar panels in Brighton, Colorado can prove to be a smart financial decision. With lower electricity costs, abundant sunshine, and the potential to sell excess energy back to the grid, you can expect to break even on your initial investment in approximately 6-7 years. After this period, the savings on your electricity bills will continue to benefit you for many years to come, making solar panels a wise choice for both your wallet and the environment.