Overview
If you live in Laporte, Colorado, you may be missing out on significant financial savings by not having solar panels on your home. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Laporte, we have calculated the potential cost savings of installing a solar system. With an average of over 300 days of sunshine a year and low precipitation levels, Laporte is an ideal location for solar energy production. In this article, we will break down the upfront cost of a solar system, estimate the payback period, and show you how much you could save on your electricity bill in the long run.
Laporte Colorado Weather Trends
Laporte Precipitation
With Laporte receiving 83.55 inches of precipitation in the last year, this puts the city in the 98th percentile in the nation and the 95th percentile in Colorado. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Colorado’s average of 35.53 inches, Laporte sees significantly higher levels of precipitation, which can impact energy production and savings from solar panels. However, the abundance of sunshine in Laporte makes it an ideal location for solar energy production.
Laporte’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 6.33 in the last year places Laporte in the 98th percentile in the nation and the 95th percentile in Colorado. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and Colorado’s average of 4.02, Laporte’s high UV rating means more potential for solar energy generation. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 6.45, Laporte’s position in the 86th percentile in the nation and the 93rd percentile in Colorado further highlights its suitability for solar panels.
Laporte’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 62% in the last year, which places Laporte in the 98th percentile in the nation and the 97th percentile in Colorado, the city still benefits from over 300 days of sunshine a year. While there were 21 days with between 75% and 100% cloud cover, the majority of the year provides ample sunlight for solar energy production. Laporte’s high cloud cover percentage may slightly affect solar panel efficiency, but overall, the city remains a favorable location for solar installation.
Laporte Colorado Electricity Costs
Residents in Laporte pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, putting the city in the 48th percentile in the nation and the 8th percentile in Colorado. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Colorado’s average is $0.14/kw. With relatively lower electricity costs in Laporte, coupled with the abundant sunshine and high UV ratings, installing solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings on electricity bills, making it a wise financial decision for Laporte residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Laporte Colorado?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Laporte 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:
- Laporte Colorado gets more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Laporte Colorado are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Laporte Colorado is higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Laporte 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- With Laporte Colorado’s lower electricity rates, the savings are slightly smaller compared to other locations.
After doing the calculations, it seems that it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to compensate for the investment. And since solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. It’s a wise investment for both your wallet and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Laporte Colorado
Considering Laporte, Colorado’s weather trends, electricity costs, and the potential savings from installing solar panels, it is evident that investing in solar energy is a wise decision for residents. Despite higher precipitation levels and cloud cover, Laporte benefits from ample sunshine and high UV ratings, making it an ideal location for solar energy production. With lower electricity costs in the city compared to national averages, the payback period for a solar installation is relatively short, estimated at around 7-8 years. By making this initial investment, residents can enjoy significant long-term savings on their electricity bills while contributing to a more sustainable future. Installing solar panels in Laporte is a smart financial and environmental choice that can have lasting benefits for years to come.