Overview
In Las Cruces, New Mexico, installing solar panels on your home can lead to substantial financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can show you how much you stand to save by making the switch to solar energy. With a breakdown of the costs associated with installing a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, this article aims to help you make an informed decision about investing in solar power for your home.
Las Cruces New Mexico Weather Trends
Las Cruces Precipitation
With only 4.67 inches of precipitation in the last year, Las Cruces ranks in the bottom 3% of New Mexico and the nation. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, and New Mexico’s average of 13.78 inches, it’s clear that Las Cruces enjoys a dry climate ideal for solar energy.
Las Cruces’s UV Rating
Las Cruces boasts an average UV rating of 5.83, ranking in the top 5% in both New Mexico and the nation. This high UV rating makes it an ideal location for solar panel installation, as it receives ample sun exposure throughout the year. With an average max UV rating of 6.4, Las Cruces is in the top 15% nationally and the top 5% in New Mexico.
Las Cruces’s Cloud Cover
Las Cruces experiences an average cloud cover of only 16%, ranking it in the bottom 2% in New Mexico and the nation. With the national average at 44.46% and New Mexico’s average at 22.75%, Las Cruces offers clear skies for solar panels to efficiently harness sunlight for energy production. Additionally, the city enjoys a significant number of clear days, with 279 days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover last year.
Las Cruces New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents of Las Cruces pay approximately $0.11/kw for electricity, placing the city in the top 20% in both the nation and New Mexico. With national and state averages at $0.13/kw and $0.15/kw respectively, Las Cruces residents benefit from lower electricity costs, making the switch to solar even more financially appealing.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Las Cruces New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Las Cruces, 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:
- Las Cruces receives much less precipitation compared to the national average, making it an ideal location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Las Cruces are higher than the national average, indicating optimal conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Las Cruces is significantly lower than the national average, with most days having clear skies for solar panel efficiency.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Las Cruces pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which can result in quicker savings from using 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 amount needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- With Las Cruces’ lower electricity rates, the savings accumulate at a steady pace.
After considering all these factors, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to surpass the investment cost. And with solar panels lasting 25-30 years, the long-term financial benefits and positive environmental impact make it a wise investment choice for Las Cruces residents. Save money, save the planet!
Investing in solar power in Las Cruces New Mexico
With all the factors considered – from the weather trends to electricity costs in Las Cruces, New Mexico – investing in solar panels for your home can prove to be a financially wise decision. By breaking down the costs associated with installation and estimating the time it will take to break even, it is evident that switching to solar energy can lead to substantial savings in the long run. The clear skies, high UV ratings, and lower electricity costs in Las Cruces create an ideal environment for solar power generation. After examining all the data, it is clear that solar panel installation in Las Cruces can result in significant financial benefits and a positive impact on the environment. Make the switch to solar power and start saving today!