Overview
Are you a Empire Colorado resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home can be a great investment, especially in a place like Empire where the sun shines an average of 300 days a year. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we can show you how quickly you can break even on the cost of a solar system. With the potential for long-term savings, going solar might be the smartest financial decision you make this year.
Empire Colorado Weather Trends
Empire Precipitation
Empire Colorado received 40.92 inches of precipitation in the last year, ranking it in the 29th percentile in the nation and the 78th percentile in Colorado. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Colorado’s average of 35.53 inches, Empire’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy efficiently.
Empire’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 2.76 in the last year, Empire is in the 1st percentile nationally and the 5th percentile in Colorado. In comparison, the national average UV rating is 4.29 and Colorado’s average is 4.02. These high UV levels mean that Empire residents have ample sunlight to generate clean, renewable energy through solar panels.
Empire’s Cloud Cover
Empire Colorado had an average of 37% cloud cover in the last year, placing it in the 16th percentile in the nation and the 76th percentile in Colorado. With fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46% and Colorado’s average of 33.65%, Empire offers optimal conditions for consistent solar energy generation throughout the year.
Empire Colorado Electricity Costs
Residents in Empire pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning the town in the 74th percentile nationally and the 32nd percentile in Colorado. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, Colorado’s average is slightly higher at $0.14/kw. By installing solar panels and relying on the abundant sunlight in Empire, residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills and save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Empire Colorado?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Empire 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:
- Empire Colorado receives less precipitation than the national average, making it an ideal location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Empire Colorado are lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Empire Colorado is lower than the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Empire Colorado pay the same amount for electricity as 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 and saving money in the long run.
- With average electricity rates in Empire Colorado, the savings will gradually add up over time.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to exceed the initial investment. And since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years after. It’s a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Empire Colorado
Installing solar panels in Empire Colorado can be a smart financial decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. With abundant sunlight, lower precipitation levels, and minimal cloud cover, Empire offers optimal conditions for efficient solar energy generation. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs, it’s clear that residents can expect to break even on the initial investment in solar panels within approximately 6 years. This means that not only will you enjoy long-term savings on your electricity bills, but you’ll also contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. Making the switch to solar power in Empire could be the best financial move you make this year.