In Durango, CO, the month of June averages 14.7 hours of daylight. That’s a lot of energy that’s produced naturally! With solar panels, you can transform these rays into power for your house.
Solar Panels
The device most popular for residential use are photovoltaic (PV) panels which convert sunlight into electricity. The PV cells absorb the sun’s energy and create electrical charges and flow. This electricity can then go to power the lights and TV or be sent to a storage battery. If there is more energy needed than what is produced, a concept called net metering comes into play. The house is still connected to the grid so the extra power required can be drawn. Once installed, there is little maintenance needed for the solid-state panels or inverter.
The Benefits
There are many benefits of going solar such as a diminishing or even disappearing electric bill, a 26% federal tax credit, and being able to make money by selling excess power back to utility companies. In La Plata County, LPEA - La Plata Electric Association, provides electricity. Shaw Solar, a Durango-based full service solar contractor company, estimates the average residential net system cost is $11,285 and typically takes 7-8 years to pay off, after which you reap the benefits for years to come.
Solar Power in Durango
Durango is an ideal location to utilize solar panels because of the high percentage of clear days throughout the year. The snowy winters may impact just how much the panels can take in; this is taken into consideration during installation to ensure an angle that will help the snow slide off. Some properties are not well situated for a roof top solar set up due to the physical orientation of the house and shade. If this is the case, there is still an option for you!
Solar Gardens
Solar gardens are built in heavily sunlit areas and homeowners can buy a share and gain the advantages of solar power without the installation and maintenance responsibilities. Shaw Solar completed the first community solar garden in 2015 in Ignacio and a second one on top of the Boys and Girls Club in Durango. LPEA’s Sunnyside Community Solar project and their solar powered school bus are additional pieces of their power supply strategy.
Electric Car Charging Stations
Durango serves as a great intersecting point between Highway 160 and Highway 550. Durango welcomes electric cars with public charging stations for a pit stop or daily commuting. Throughout the city and nearby areas there are nearly 50 charging stations including Tesla, level-two, and level-three options.
Solar energy provides an environmentally friendly way to use our modern amenities and investing in a solar set up is one of the best upgrades for your home. Please reach out to The Durango Team at The Wells Group with any solar power or real estate questions you may have!
