Overview
If you live in Sterling, Colorado, you may be missing out on significant savings by not installing solar panels on your home. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Sterling, we have determined that a solar system could pay for itself in a relatively short amount of time. In this article, we will break down the costs involved in installing solar panels, estimate the time it will take to break even, and highlight the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy in Sterling.
Sterling Colorado Weather Trends
Sterling Precipitation
Living in Sterling, Colorado, where the average annual precipitation is 26.52 inches, you may not realize that Sterling falls below the national average of 50.61 inches and the Colorado average of 35.53 inches. With lower precipitation levels, solar panels can operate efficiently throughout the year, making it a wise investment for your home.
Sterling’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.3, Sterling, Colorado, ranks higher than the national average of 4.29 and the Colorado average of 4.02. The higher UV rating indicates more sun exposure, providing ample sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. By harnessing the sun’s energy, you can save on electricity costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
Sterling’s Cloud Cover
Having an average cloud cover of 31%, Sterling, Colorado, experiences fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46% and the Colorado average of 33.65%. With more clear days, solar panels can generate maximum power and contribute to long-term savings on your electricity bills. Installing solar panels in Sterling can be a beneficial choice for both your finances and the environment.
Sterling Colorado Electricity Costs
Residential electricity in Sterling, Colorado, costs about $0.14/kw, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw but aligns closely with the Colorado average. Despite the slightly higher cost, investing in solar panels can significantly lower your electricity bills over time and provide a more sustainable energy source for your home. By making the switch to solar energy in Sterling, you can enjoy both financial savings and environmental benefits.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Sterling Colorado?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Sterling, 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:
- Sterling gets less precipitation than the national average, making it a good candidate for solar panel installation.
- The UV ratings in Sterling are slightly above the national average, which is great for generating solar power efficiently.
- Cloud cover in Sterling is lower than the national average, with many days having clear skies for optimal solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Sterling pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average, but solar panels can help offset some of those costs.
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 resulting in savings on electricity bills.
- With Sterling’s electricity rates, the savings from solar panels can make a significant impact on reducing overall energy costs.
After crunching the numbers, it appears that it would take around 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that in about 7-8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. Installing solar panels is a smart financial decision that not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Sterling Colorado
Installing solar panels in Sterling, Colorado, is a wise choice that can lead to significant long-term savings on electricity bills. By harnessing the abundant sunlight and favorable weather conditions in Sterling, a solar system can pay for itself in just 7-8 years. Not only will you enjoy financial benefits, but you will also contribute to a cleaner environment by reducing your carbon footprint. Making the switch to solar energy in Sterling is a smart investment that can benefit both your wallet and the planet for years to come.