Overview
In Riverton, Wyoming, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can determine that the city’s sunny skies and low precipitation make it an ideal location for generating solar power. With the right solar system, homeowners in Riverton can break even on their investment relatively quickly, allowing them to enjoy years of savings on their electricity bills.
Riverton Wyoming Weather Trends
Riverton Precipitation
Riverton, Wyoming’s low annual precipitation of 23.8 inches positions it in the 47th percentile in the state and the 8th percentile in the nation. In comparison, the national average is 50.61 inches, and Wyoming averages 28.52 inches. With Riverton’s dry climate, solar panels can easily harness the abundant sunlight for energy production.
Riverton’s UV Rating
Riverton, Wyoming’s average UV rating of 3.58 places it in the 55th percentile within the state and the 22nd percentile nationwide. The national average UV rating is 4.29, and Wyoming’s average is 3.45. Additionally, Riverton’s average max UV rating of 3.8 puts it in the 58th percentile in the state and the 26th percentile nationwide. These high UV ratings make Riverton an excellent location for solar energy generation.
Riverton’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 31% in the last year, Riverton, Wyoming ranks in the 15th percentile within the state and the 8th percentile nationwide. In comparison, the national average cloud cover is 44.46%, and Wyoming averages 36.73%. Additionally, Riverton had a significant number of days with minimal cloud cover, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Riverton Wyoming Electricity Costs
Residents of Riverton, Wyoming pay $0.12/kw for electricity, which places them in the 81st percentile in the state and the 59th percentile nationwide. The national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Wyoming’s average is $0.11/kw. With relatively low electricity costs and abundant sunshine, investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings for Riverton residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Riverton Wyoming?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Riverton Wyoming, 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:
- Riverton Wyoming receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Riverton Wyoming are slightly lower compared to the national average, but still efficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Riverton Wyoming is lower than the national average, with only 31% on average throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Riverton Wyoming pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, with a cost of about $0.12/kw.
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 bought from the grid, especially with the lower electricity costs in Riverton Wyoming.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Riverton Wyoming. This means that after 10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to compensate for the investment. Considering that solar panels last for 25 to 30 years, the savings accrued beyond the initial payback period can add up significantly, providing both economic and environmental benefits for years to come.
Investing in solar power in Riverton Wyoming
Installing solar panels in Riverton, Wyoming can be a smart financial decision. With the city’s sunny skies, low precipitation, and relatively low electricity costs, homeowners can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels in around 10 years. After that initial payback period, the savings on electricity bills can accumulate, providing long-term economic and environmental benefits. By harnessing the abundant sunlight in Riverton, residents can enjoy years of sustainable energy and cost savings.