Overview
In Raton, New Mexico, installing solar panels on your home can lead to substantial savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data over a year, alongside basic electricity costs, we estimate the cost of a solar system and how quickly you can expect to break even. With enough sunlight and low precipitation, investing in solar power can be a smart financial decision for residents of Raton.
Raton New Mexico Weather Trends
Raton Precipitation
With only 21.66 inches of precipitation in the last year, Raton falls into the 7th percentile in the nation and the 88th percentile in New Mexico. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and New Mexico’s average of 13.78 inches, Raton’s low precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Raton’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.04, Raton ranks in the 47th percentile in the nation and the 15th percentile in New Mexico. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, while New Mexico’s average is 4.67. Additionally, Raton’s average max UV rating of 4.43 places it in the 43rd percentile nationally and the 17th percentile within the state. These UV ratings indicate ample sunlight for effective solar panel operation.
Raton’s Cloud Cover
Raton experienced an average cloud cover of 26% in the last year, placing it in the 5th percentile in the nation and the 86th percentile in New Mexico. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while New Mexico’s average is 22.75%. With a significant number of days featuring clear skies, Raton offers optimal conditions for harnessing solar energy.
Raton New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents of Raton pay about $0.22/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 99th percentile nationwide and the 98th percentile in New Mexico. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and New Mexico’s average is $0.15/kw. By investing in solar panels, Raton residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills and achieve long-term savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Raton New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Raton 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:
- Raton New Mexico receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower compared to the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Raton New Mexico 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 Raton New Mexico pay more for electricity compared to the national average, which means greater savings with solar power.
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 purchase as much from the grid.
- With Raton New Mexico’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even more significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. After this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Considering that solar panels last between 25 and 30 years, it’s a wise investment that will result in substantial savings over time. Plus, you’ll be contributing to a greener environment by using renewable energy sources!
Investing in solar power in Raton New Mexico
Installing solar panels in Raton, New Mexico can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill due to the ideal weather conditions and high electricity costs in the city. With low precipitation, ample sunlight, and minimal cloud cover, Raton provides an optimal environment for harnessing solar energy. By investing in a solar system, residents can expect to break even on the initial cost in around 10 years, with long-term savings and environmental benefits to follow. Making the switch to solar power in Raton is not only a smart financial decision but also a step towards a more sustainable future.