Overview
If you live in Rocky Ford Colorado, installing solar panels on your home could save you a significant amount of money on electricity bills. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Rocky Ford, we have found that solar panels can generate enough power to cover your energy needs, leading to substantial savings in the long run. In this article, we will break down the costs of a solar system and estimate how quickly you can break even on your investment, highlighting the financial benefits of going solar in Rocky Ford.
Rocky Ford Colorado Weather Trends
Rocky Ford Precipitation
With Rocky Ford receiving 24.36 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 8th percentile nationally and the 26th percentile in Colorado. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Colorado’s average stands at 35.53 inches. Despite lower precipitation levels in Rocky Ford, solar panels can still be highly effective in generating energy.
Rocky Ford’s UV Rating
Rocky Ford’s average UV rating of 4.68 places it in the 70th percentile nationally and the 87th percentile in Colorado. Comparatively, the national average is 4.29, and Colorado’s average is 4.02. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 5.17, Rocky Ford surpasses the national and state averages. This high UV rating makes Rocky Ford an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Rocky Ford’s Cloud Cover
Rocky Ford’s average cloud cover of 27% places it in the 5th percentile nationally and the 15th percentile in Colorado. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Colorado’s average is 33.65%. With a significant number of days experiencing minimal cloud cover, Rocky Ford presents optimal conditions for solar panels to efficiently generate electricity.
Rocky Ford Colorado Electricity Costs
Residents in Rocky Ford pay about $0.16/kw for electricity, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally and in Colorado. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, with Colorado’s average at $0.14/kw. By investing in solar panels, Rocky Ford residents can significantly reduce their electricity costs and enjoy long-term savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Rocky Ford Colorado?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Rocky Ford, 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:
- Rocky Ford gets less rain than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Rocky Ford are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Rocky Ford is lower than the national average, with only 27% on average throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Rocky Ford pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average, with a rate of $0.16/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 needed from the grid and overall electricity costs.
- With Rocky Ford’s electricity rates, the savings from using solar power can add up significantly.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Rocky Ford, Colorado. This means that after 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to repay 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 smart financial and environmental decision!
Investing in solar power in Rocky Ford Colorado
Installing solar panels in Rocky Ford, Colorado can be a wise financial decision. By taking advantage of the area’s favorable weather conditions and high UV ratings, residents can generate significant savings on electricity bills over time. With lower cloud cover and slightly higher electricity costs compared to national averages, Rocky Ford proves to be an ideal location for solar panel installation. By investing in a solar system, residents could expect to break even on their initial investment in approximately 7-8 years, continuing to benefit from long-term savings and a reduced carbon footprint for years to come. Going solar in Rocky Ford is not only financially prudent but also environmentally friendly.