Solar By City

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

Denver, CO at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.3/10 9.3/10 8.3/10 4.7/10 4.3/10
Pretty Good 30% daily 3 inches monthly 4 on average 0.11/kw

Overview

Are you a Denver resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Consider installing solar panels on your home! By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Denver, we can show you how much money you could save with a solar system. With the abundant sunshine in Denver, you could potentially break even on your investment in just a few years, leading to long-term savings on your utility bills. Let’s dive into the numbers and see how solar panels can benefit you financially.

Denver Colorado Weather Trends

Denver Precipitation

Denver Colorado received 34.23 inches of precipitation last year, ranking it in the 17th percentile in the nation and the 64th percentile in Colorado. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Denver experiences less precipitation. However, Colorado’s average of 35.53 inches is slightly higher than Denver’s. With less precipitation to contend with, solar panels in Denver can operate efficiently throughout the year, maximizing your energy production potential.

Denver’s UV Rating

Last year, Denver Colorado had an average UV rating of 4.04, placing it in the 47th percentile in the nation and the 55th percentile in Colorado. Although Denver’s UV rating is slightly below the national average of 4.29, it is higher than Colorado’s average of 4.02. With an average maximum UV rating of 4.4, Denver receives ample sunlight that can be harnessed by solar panels to generate clean and renewable energy for your home. Take advantage of Denver’s sunny days to save on your electricity bills.

Denver’s Cloud Cover

Denver Colorado had an average of 30% cloud cover last year, ranking it in the 7th percentile in the nation and the 41st percentile in Colorado. Compared to the national average of 44.46% cloud cover, Denver experiences clearer skies, allowing more sunlight to reach your solar panels. With 184 days of minimal cloud cover, Denver provides an optimal environment for solar energy production. Installing solar panels on your home in Denver can lead to significant energy savings year-round.

Denver Colorado Electricity Costs

Denver residents pay about $0.11/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 43rd percentile in the nation and the 3rd percentile in Colorado. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, Denver’s costs are notably lower. Compared to Colorado’s average of $0.14/kw, Denver offers more affordable electricity rates. By investing in solar panels for your home in Denver, you can further reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and save money on your utility bills in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Denver, 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:

  • Denver gets less rain compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Denver are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Denver is lower than the national average, with varying percentages throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Denver 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 amount needed from the grid.
  • Given Denver’s electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take around 5 to 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will exceed the initial investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years. Investing in solar panels is a wise decision for both financial and environmental reasons!

Investing in solar power in Denver Colorado

Considering the weather trends and electricity costs in Denver, Colorado, it is evident that investing in solar panels can result in significant long-term savings on your utility bills. With Denver’s abundant sunshine, lower precipitation levels, and minimal cloud cover, solar panels can operate efficiently throughout the year, maximizing energy production potential. Pairing these favorable weather conditions with Denver’s affordable electricity rates, it is estimated that you could break even on your investment in solar panels in just 5 to 6 years. This means that after this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will exceed the cost of installation, providing a financially beneficial and environmentally friendly choice for Denver residents. Take advantage of Denver’s sunny days and clear skies by installing solar panels on your home today!