Solar By City

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

Gunnison, CO at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
5.4/10 8.7/10 9.6/10 0.9/10 7.6/10
Pretty Good 35% daily 1 inches monthly 3.2 on average 0.13/kw

Overview

Discover how installing solar panels on your home in Gunnison Colorado can save you money in the long run. By analyzing local weather data and electricity costs, we can show you how quickly you can break even on your investment in solar energy. Don’t miss out on the financial benefits of switching to solar power in sunny Gunnison!

Gunnison Colorado Weather Trends

Gunnison Precipitation

With only 17.91 inches of precipitation in the last year, Gunnison Colorado ranks in the 4th percentile nationwide and the 12th percentile in Colorado. This means that Gunnison receives significantly less rainfall compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Colorado’s average of 35.53 inches. By harnessing solar energy, you can take advantage of the sunny days in Gunnison to power your home efficiently.

Gunnison’s UV Rating

Gunnison Colorado boasts an average UV rating of 3.24, positioning it in the 9th percentile in the nation and the 17th percentile in Colorado. While this may not be the highest UV rating, it still indicates ample sunshine for solar energy production. With an average max UV rating of 3.55, Gunnison has even more potential to generate solar power efficiently. By installing solar panels, you can harness this abundant sunlight to save on electricity costs.

Gunnison’s Cloud Cover

On average, Gunnison Colorado experiences 35% cloud cover, placing it in the 13th percentile nationwide and the 72nd percentile in Colorado. With fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46% and Colorado’s average of 33.65%, Gunnison offers ideal conditions for solar energy production. By utilizing solar panels, you can benefit from the clear skies in Gunnison to generate clean and renewable electricity for your home.

Gunnison Colorado Electricity Costs

Residents of Gunnison pay around $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 76th percentile in the nation and the 37th percentile in Colorado. While the cost of electricity in Gunnison is on par with the national average, it is slightly lower than Colorado’s average of $0.14/kw. By switching to solar power, you can offset these electricity costs and potentially even earn credits by producing excess energy to sell back to the grid.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Gunnison 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:

  • Gunnison Colorado receives less precipitation than the national average, which is ideal for solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Gunnison Colorado are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Gunnison Colorado is lower than the national average, with a good number of days having clear skies.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Gunnison Colorado pay the national average for electricity costs, which is beneficial for solar energy savings.

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.
  • With the average electricity costs in Gunnison Colorado, the savings from solar power add up over time.

After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take approximately 6 to 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after that time, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Plus, with solar panels lasting for 25 to 30 years, the long-term benefits and savings are significant. Investing in solar energy not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner environment. It’s a smart choice for the future!

Investing in solar power in Gunnison Colorado

Considering the weather data and electricity costs in Gunnison Colorado, investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings. With the abundant sunlight, low precipitation, and favorable electricity costs in Gunnison, residents can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 6 to 7 years. After this initial period, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, making solar energy a smart and financially beneficial choice for homeowners in sunny Gunnison.