Overview
In San Rafael, New Mexico, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant savings on electricity bills. By analyzing weather data over the course of a year, we can demonstrate just how much money you can save by harnessing the power of the sun. With average electricity costs and the cost of a solar system, we will estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment, making the switch to solar a financially wise decision for residents of San Rafael.
San Rafael New Mexico Weather Trends
San Rafael Precipitation
In the last year, San Rafael New Mexico received 13.17 inches of precipitation. While this puts San Rafael in the 3rd percentile in the nation, it is still higher than New Mexico’s average of 13.78 inches. With the national average at 50.61 inches, San Rafael’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for harnessing solar power efficiently.
San Rafael’s UV Rating
San Rafael New Mexico had an average UV rating of 4.21 over the last year. This rating places San Rafael in the 54th percentile in the nation and the 23rd percentile in New Mexico. The national average for UV rating is slightly higher at 4.29, while New Mexico’s average stands at 4.67. San Rafael’s strong UV presence makes it a prime location for solar panel installation, ensuring maximum energy production.
San Rafael’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 23% cloud cover in the last year, San Rafael ranks in the 3rd percentile nationally and the 59th percentile statewide. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and New Mexico’s average of 22.75%, San Rafael enjoys clear skies for most of the year. This low cloud cover makes San Rafael an excellent candidate for solar energy production, capitalizing on the abundant sunlight available.
San Rafael New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents in San Rafael pay about $0.14 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 85th percentile nationally and the 52nd percentile within New Mexico. With the national average at $0.13/kw and New Mexico’s average at $0.15/kw, San Rafael’s electricity costs are competitive. By switching to solar power, residents can not only lower their electricity bills but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in San Rafael New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in San Rafael, 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:
- San Rafael gets significantly less rain than the national average, which is great for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in San Rafael are very close to the national average, ensuring effective solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in San Rafael is much lower than the national average, with most days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in San Rafael 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 need to buy from the grid.
- With San Rafael’s higher electricity rates, the savings will be even more significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for 25-30 years, you’ll continue enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart financial and environmental choice!
Investing in solar power in San Rafael New Mexico
Considering the weather trends and electricity costs in San Rafael, New Mexico, the decision to install solar panels on your home is a wise investment. With lower precipitation levels, strong UV presence, and minimal cloud cover, San Rafael provides an ideal environment for harnessing solar power efficiently. Residents paying slightly above the national average for electricity can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 4-5 years. Not only will this save money on electricity bills, but it also contributes to a more sustainable future for all. Making the switch to solar power in San Rafael is both a financially sound and environmentally friendly choice.