Overview
Living in Pima Arizona, you have the opportunity to save money on your electricity bills and help the environment by installing solar panels on your home. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can show you how a solar system can pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time. This article will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate your savings, and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about going solar.
Pima Arizona Weather Trends
Pima Precipitation
Living in Pima Arizona, you may have noticed we don’t get a lot of rain. In fact, in the last year, Pima received only 9.57 inches of precipitation, putting us in the 1st percentile in the nation. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, it’s clear that Pima’s dry climate is perfect for solar energy. Although Arizona’s average is 12 inches, Pima stands out as a prime location for solar panel installation.
Pima’s UV Rating
One of the benefits of living in Pima Arizona is the high UV rating we experience. With an average UV rating of 5.71, Pima ranks in the 92nd percentile in the nation. Compared to the national average of 4.29, it’s evident that Pima receives ample sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 6.36, Pima surpasses both the national and state averages, making it an ideal location for solar energy production.
Pima’s Cloud Cover
When it comes to cloud cover, Pima Arizona boasts clear skies for a significant portion of the year. With an average of 18% cloud cover, Pima is in the 1st percentile in the nation, indicating minimal obstructions to sunlight. In comparison, the national average stands at 44.46%, highlighting Pima’s favorable conditions for solar panel performance. With 263 days of low cloud cover, residents can benefit from consistent sunshine to power their homes with solar energy.
Pima Arizona Electricity Costs
Residents of Pima Arizona pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing us in the 74th percentile in the nation. While this cost may seem average, it’s essential to consider the long-term savings that solar panels can offer. With the national average also at $0.13/kw, and Arizona’s average matching Pima’s, investing in solar energy can not only reduce your monthly electricity bills but also contribute to a greener environment for future generations.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Pima Arizona?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Pima Arizona, 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:
- Pima Arizona receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Pima Arizona are higher than the national average, indicating ample sunlight for generating solar power.
- The average cloud cover in Pima Arizona is lower than the national average, providing good conditions for solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Pima Arizona pay the same rate for electricity as the national average.
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 saving money on electricity bills.
- With the average electricity rate in Pima Arizona, the savings will gradually offset the initial cost of the solar panels.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 7-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Pima Arizona. This means that after that period, the savings on electricity bills will accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years, making it a wise financial decision while also contributing to environmental conservation.
Investing in solar power in Pima Arizona
Living in Pima Arizona presents a unique opportunity to save money on electricity bills and contribute to a cleaner environment through solar panel installation. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in the area, we have determined that investing in a solar system can effectively pay for itself in about 7-10 years. This means that residents can enjoy long-term savings on their electricity expenses while harnessing the abundant sunlight that Pima’s climate provides. Making the switch to solar power not only makes financial sense but also aligns with sustainable energy practices that benefit both individuals and the planet.