Overview
Folsom, New Mexico residents can save a significant amount of money by installing solar panels on their homes. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over a year, we can show the financial benefits of switching to solar energy. With detailed information on precipitation, UV ratings, cloud cover, along with the cost breakdown of a solar system, we will demonstrate how quickly residents can break even on their investment and start saving money in the long run.
Folsom New Mexico Weather Trends
Folsom Precipitation
In the last year, Folsom, New Mexico received 23.95 inches of precipitation, which is in the 8th percentile in the nation and the 91st percentile in New Mexico. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Folsom sees lower precipitation levels, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation. With less rainfall, residents can rely more on solar energy to power their homes efficiently.
Folsom’s UV Rating
In the last year, Folsom, New Mexico had an average UV rating of 4.35, placing it in the 60th percentile in the nation and the 37th percentile in New Mexico. With an average max UV rating of 4.74, Folsom is in the 51st percentile in the nation and the 35th percentile in New Mexico. These UV ratings indicate that Folsom receives a substantial amount of sunlight, making it a prime location for solar panel installation. Harnessing this abundant sunlight can significantly reduce electricity costs for residents.
Folsom’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Folsom, New Mexico had an average of 25% cloud cover, ranking it in the 4th percentile in the nation and the 80th percentile in New Mexico. Compared to the national average of 44.46%, Folsom experiences less cloud cover, allowing for more sunlight to reach solar panels. With 212 days of low cloud cover, Folsom offers optimal conditions for solar energy production, leading to increased savings on electricity bills for residents.
Folsom New Mexico Electricity Costs
Folsom, New Mexico residents pay about $0.22/kw for electricity, which is in the 99th percentile in the nation and the 98th percentile in New Mexico. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, highlighting the high cost of electricity in Folsom. By switching to solar energy, residents can reduce their dependency on expensive grid electricity and generate their own clean and affordable power source. This transition to solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings for Folsom residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Folsom New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Folsom, 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:
- Folsom gets less rain than the national average, and it has ample sunshine for solar panels to work efficiently.
- The UV ratings in Folsom are slightly higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Folsom is lower than the national average, with most days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Folsom pay more for electricity compared to the national average, with a rate of $0.22/kw.
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.
- Given Folsom’s higher electricity rates, the savings from the solar panels are more significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to surpass the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for 25 to 30 years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar panels is a smart financial decision in Folsom, New Mexico, providing long-term savings and environmental benefits.
Investing in solar power in Folsom New Mexico
Installing solar panels in Folsom, New Mexico is a wise financial decision for residents. With lower precipitation levels, ample sunlight, and reduced cloud cover, Folsom offers ideal conditions for solar energy production. Additionally, the high cost of electricity in the area makes switching to solar power a cost-effective solution. By investing in solar panels, residents can expect to break even on their initial investment in approximately 6 years and enjoy long-term savings. Making the switch to solar energy not only benefits residents financially but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment for Folsom, New Mexico.