Overview
In Golden, Colorado, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings due to the area’s abundant sunshine and high electricity costs. By analyzing weather data and electricity rates, we will show you how a solar system can pay for itself over time, allowing you to take control of your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint. Let’s explore how going solar can benefit your wallet and the environment in Golden, Colorado.
Golden Colorado Weather Trends
Golden Precipitation
Golden, Colorado received 36.01 inches of precipitation in the last year. Compared to the rest of the country, Golden is in the 20th percentile, while in Colorado, it is in the 69th percentile. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, higher than Golden’s. Colorado’s average is 35.53 inches, also higher than Golden’s.
Golden’s UV Rating
In the last year, Golden Colorado had an average UV rating of 3.8. This places Golden in the 36th percentile nationwide and the 42nd percentile within Colorado. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, while the Colorado average is 4.02. Additionally, Golden had an average max UV rating of 4.12, placing it in the 35th percentile nationally and the 42nd percentile in Colorado.
Golden’s Cloud Cover
On average, Golden Colorado had a cloud cover of 31% in the last year. This puts Golden in the 8th percentile nationally and the 50th percentile in Colorado. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Colorado averages 33.65%. Golden had a mix of cloud cover days with 177 days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover, 109 days with 25% to 50% cloud cover, 49 days with 50% to 75% cloud cover, and 29 days with 75% to 100% cloud cover.
Golden Colorado Electricity Costs
Residents of Golden, Colorado are paying about $0.12 per kilowatt-hour for electricity. This places Golden in the 58th percentile nationally and the 14th percentile within Colorado. The national average for residential electricity is slightly higher at $0.13/kw, with Colorado’s average even higher at $0.14/kw. By installing solar panels, Golden residents can take advantage of the high electricity costs in the area to save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Golden Colorado?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Golden 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:
- Golden Colorado receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Golden Colorado are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Golden Colorado is lower than the national average, with only 31% on average throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Golden Colorado 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, which means a reduction in electricity bills over time.
- With Golden Colorado’s lower electricity rates, the savings might be slightly lower, but still significant.
After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to compensate for the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, you can enjoy these savings for many years beyond the payback period. It’s a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Golden Colorado
Installing solar panels in Golden, Colorado can lead to significant financial savings over time. By taking advantage of the area’s abundant sunshine and high electricity costs, residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 6 years. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to compensate for the initial cost of the solar system. With a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, solar panels not only benefit your wallet but also allow you to reduce your carbon footprint for many years to come. Making the switch to solar power in Golden, Colorado is a smart financial decision that positively impacts both your budget and the environment.