Overview
In Glenwood, New Mexico, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can estimate how long it will take for a solar system to break even. With a breakdown of costs and savings, this article will show you why going solar is a wise investment for residents of Glenwood.
Glenwood New Mexico Weather Trends
Glenwood Precipitation
With just 7.85 inches of precipitation in the last year, Glenwood ranks in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 26th percentile in New Mexico. In comparison, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while New Mexico’s average is 13.78 inches. This low precipitation level means solar panels in Glenwood are less likely to be affected by weather conditions, making them a reliable source of energy.
Glenwood’s UV Rating
Glenwood boasts an impressive average UV rating of 5.59, placing it in the 90th percentile in the nation and the 87th percentile in New Mexico. In contrast, the national average UV rating is 4.29, and New Mexico’s average is 4.67. Additionally, Glenwood’s average max UV rating of 6.15, ranking it in the 80th percentile nationally and the 86th percentile in New Mexico, means that solar panels in Glenwood can harness ample sunlight for maximum energy production.
Glenwood’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 17%, Glenwood is in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 8th percentile in New Mexico. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and New Mexico’s average is 22.75%. Moreover, Glenwood experienced 272 days with minimal cloud cover, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation as sunny days are abundant, ensuring a consistent energy output.
Glenwood New Mexico Electricity Costs
At just $0.14/kw, Glenwood residents pay more for electricity compared to the national average of $0.13/kw. However, they fare better than the New Mexico average of $0.15/kw. By investing in solar panels, residents can significantly reduce or even eliminate their monthly electricity bills, leading to long-term cost savings and a decrease in reliance on grid power.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Glenwood New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Glenwood 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:
- Glenwood New Mexico receives significantly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it an ideal location for solar panel installations.
- The average UV ratings in Glenwood New Mexico are higher than the national average, indicating excellent conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Glenwood New Mexico is significantly lower than the national average, with the majority of days having minimal cloud cover, ideal for solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Glenwood New Mexico pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average, which makes solar panels a more cost-effective option.
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 resulting in savings on electricity bills.
- With Glenwood New Mexico’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are even more significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Glenwood New Mexico. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the cost of the investment. Considering that solar panels last for 25 to 30 years, the long-term savings and benefits of solar energy make it a wise financial decision for residents in Glenwood New Mexico.
Investing in solar power in Glenwood New Mexico
Given the weather conditions and electricity costs in Glenwood, New Mexico, installing solar panels on your home can be a smart financial move. With lower precipitation, ample sunlight, and minimal cloud cover, solar panels can efficiently generate energy. Additionally, while residents pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average, the long-term savings on electricity bills can allow you to break even on your solar investment in about 6 years. Overall, going solar in Glenwood is a wise investment that can lead to significant financial benefits in the long run.