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Solar and Electricity Data for Costa Mesa, CA: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Costa Mesa, CA at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
7.2/10 9.2/10 9.4/10 7.7/10 9.7/10
Excellent 31% daily 2 inches monthly 5 on average 0.18/kw

Overview

This article will show you how installing solar panels on your home in Costa Mesa California can save you money on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Costa Mesa, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar energy. We will provide you with a cost estimate for a solar system and calculate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. Let’s explore how going solar can be a smart financial decision for you and your family.

Costa Mesa California Weather Trends

Costa Mesa Precipitation

In the last year, Costa Mesa California received 20.93 inches of precipitation. Compared to the rest of the nation, Costa Mesa ranks in the 6th percentile, while in California, it is in the 35th percentile. Costa Mesa falls below the national average of 50.61 inches and the state average of 31.54 inches.

Costa Mesa’s UV Rating

Over the past year, Costa Mesa California had an average UV rating of 4.97, placing it in the 77th percentile nationally and the 52nd percentile in California. This is higher than the national average of 4.29 but slightly lower than California’s average of 4.76. Additionally, the city’s average max UV rating of 4.97 is above the national average of 4.61, but lower than California’s average of 5.2.

Costa Mesa’s Cloud Cover

Costa Mesa California enjoyed an average of 31% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 8th percentile in the nation and the 57th percentile in California. This is lower than the national average of 44.46% but close to California’s average of 31.53%. The city experienced a variety of cloud cover throughout the year, with 175 days of clear skies, 112 days with some cloud cover, 57 days with moderate cloud cover, and 20 days with heavy cloud cover.

Costa Mesa California Electricity Costs

Residents in Costa Mesa pay around $0.18 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw but lower than California’s average of $0.21/kw. Despite the higher cost compared to the national average, going solar in Costa Mesa can still result in significant savings over time due to the city’s favorable weather conditions for solar energy production.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Costa Mesa California?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Costa Mesa, California, 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:

  • Costa Mesa gets less rain than the national average, making it ideal for solar panels to work effectively.
  • The UV ratings in Costa Mesa are higher than the national average, perfect for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Costa Mesa is lower than the national average, with many days of clear skies ideal for solar energy generation.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Costa Mesa pay 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the need to buy as much from the grid.
  • Considering Costa Mesa’s higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to enjoy these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is a smart way to save money and contribute to a greener future!

Investing in solar power in Costa Mesa California

Switching to solar energy in Costa Mesa, California can be a financially savvy decision for homeowners. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to the city, we have determined that investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings over time. With lower rainfall, higher UV ratings, and less cloud cover than the national averages, Costa Mesa provides ideal conditions for solar energy production. Despite slightly higher electricity costs compared to the national average, the long-term benefits of going solar outweigh the initial investment. By breaking even in approximately 5 years and enjoying savings for decades to come, homeowners in Costa Mesa can not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable future. Making the switch to solar power is a smart financial choice for you and your family.