Solar and Electricity Data for El Paso, AR: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Overview

If you’re living in El Paso, Arkansas, you know that the sun shines bright in our state and energy costs can add up quickly. By installing solar panels on your home, you can take advantage of the abundant sunshine to generate your own electricity and save money on your monthly bills. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate how long it will take to break even, and show you how investing in solar power can be a smart financial decision for El Paso residents.

El Paso Arkansas Weather Trends

El Paso Precipitation

Living in El Paso, Arkansas means enjoying a drier climate compared to the rest of the country and even the rest of Arkansas. With just 10.76 inches of precipitation annually, El Paso ranks in the 2nd percentile nationally and the 1st percentile within Arkansas. In comparison, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Arkansas’s average stands at 54.5 inches. This means that with the abundant sunshine in El Paso, installing solar panels can be a reliable source of energy production year-round.

El Paso’s UV Rating

When it comes to sun exposure, El Paso, Arkansas shines brightly compared to the rest of the country and even within the state. With an average UV rating of 4.97, El Paso ranks in the 77th percentile nationally and the 38th percentile within Arkansas. The national average for average UV rating is 4.29, while Arkansas’s average is slightly higher at 5.13. The higher UV rating in El Paso, especially with a maximum of 5.22, indicates ample sunlight for solar energy generation, making it a wise choice for residents looking to go green and save on electricity bills.

El Paso’s Cloud Cover

Enjoy clear skies and sunshine in El Paso, Arkansas, as the area boasts an average of 36% cloud cover. This puts El Paso in the 14th percentile nationally and the 5th percentile within Arkansas, making it ideal for solar energy production. With 123 days of minimal cloud cover (0-25%) and a total of 344 days with less than 75% cloud cover, El Paso provides optimal conditions for harnessing solar power efficiently throughout the year.

El Paso Arkansas Electricity Costs

Residents of El Paso, Arkansas, benefit from relatively low electricity costs, paying around $0.11 per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This places El Paso in the 19th percentile nationally and the 44th percentile within Arkansas. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity costs is $0.13/kWh, while the state average matches El Paso’s at $0.11/kWh. By installing solar panels, residents can further reduce their electricity bills and take advantage of the sun-rich environment in El Paso, making it a smart financial decision in the long run.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in El Paso Arkansas?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in El Paso Arkansas, 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:

• El Paso Arkansas receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
• The UV ratings in El Paso Arkansas are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
• The average cloud cover in El Paso Arkansas is lower than the national average, with a good number of sunny days throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

• Residents in El Paso Arkansas pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is a good incentive for investing in solar panels.

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 purchased from the grid.
• With the lower electricity rates in El Paso Arkansas, the savings are significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-5 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, the savings will continue for many years after the initial investment is recouped. Investing in solar energy is not only a financially prudent decision but also a sustainable choice for the environment.

Investing in solar power in El Paso Arkansas

Investing in solar panels in El Paso, Arkansas can be a wise financial decision for residents looking to save money on electricity bills. With the abundant sunshine, low precipitation, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover in El Paso, solar energy production is efficient year-round. Considering the relatively low electricity costs in the region, residents can expect to break even on their solar panel investment within 4-5 years. Not only does this allow for long-term savings on electricity bills, but it also promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility. Overall, installing solar panels in El Paso is a smart choice for both your wallet and the planet.