Overview
In Cedar Crest, New Mexico, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over a year, we can demonstrate how much money you could save by making the switch to solar energy. With clear breakdowns of the cost of a solar system and estimates of how long it will take to break even, this article will show you why investing in solar panels is a smart financial decision for Cedar Crest residents.
Cedar Crest New Mexico Weather Trends
Cedar Crest Precipitation
With only 13.34 inches of precipitation in the last year, Cedar Crest New Mexico ranks in the 3rd percentile nationwide and the 54th percentile in the state. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Cedar Crest’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panels. By harnessing the power of the sun, residents can take advantage of the dry climate to generate clean energy.
Cedar Crest’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.32, Cedar Crest is in the 59th percentile nationally and the 35th percentile in New Mexico. The higher UV rating means that there is ample sunlight available for solar energy production. Compared to the national average of 4.29, Cedar Crest’s UV levels are optimal for generating electricity from solar panels, offering residents a reliable source of renewable energy.
In addition, Cedar Crest’s average max UV rating of 4.71 further demonstrates the area’s potential for solar energy production. Ranking in the 50th percentile nationwide and the 32nd percentile in New Mexico, residents can benefit from the higher UV levels for increased efficiency in their solar panels.
Cedar Crest’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 23% cloud cover in the last year, Cedar Crest ranks in the 3rd percentile nationwide and the 63rd percentile in New Mexico. Lower cloud cover means more direct sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. Compared to the national average of 44.46%, Cedar Crest’s clear skies make it an ideal location for solar energy production, offering residents consistent access to clean and renewable power.
Additionally, with 231 days of between 0% and 25% cloud cover, residents can rely on the majority of days to maximize their solar energy output. The limited cloud coverage in Cedar Crest ensures that solar panels can consistently produce electricity, providing homeowners with a reliable source of clean energy.
Cedar Crest New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents in Cedar Crest New Mexico pay about $0.16 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing the area in the 94th percentile nationally and the 75th percentile in the state. Although slightly higher than the national average of $0.13/kw, Cedar Crest’s electricity costs are still competitive. By switching to solar energy, residents can offset their electricity expenses and save money in the long run while reducing their carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Cedar Crest New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, 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:
- Cedar Crest receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Cedar Crest are slightly higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Cedar Crest is below the national average, with a majority of days having low to minimal cloud cover, ideal for solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Cedar Crest pay slightly more for electricity compared to 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, especially with higher local electricity rates.
After analyzing the data, it appears that the initial cost of the solar panels could be covered in approximately 4-6 years. Once this initial period is over, the savings from lower electricity bills will accumulate and make the investment worthwhile. Additionally, solar panels have a long lifespan, so the savings can be enjoyed for many years beyond the break-even point. Installing solar panels is a smart long-term investment that not only saves money but also helps the environment.
Investing in solar power in Cedar Crest New Mexico
Installing solar panels in Cedar Crest, New Mexico can be a financially wise decision for residents. The area’s low precipitation, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover make it an optimal location for generating solar energy. With electricity costs slightly above the national average, switching to solar power can lead to significant savings in the long run. By investing in solar panels, residents can expect to break even on their initial investment within 4-6 years, after which they will continue to save money and reduce their carbon footprint for many more years. Making the switch to solar energy is a smart long-term investment that benefits both homeowners and the environment.