Overview
Living in Aztec, New Mexico, you have likely experienced the high energy bills that come with running your home’s air conditioning during the scorching summer months. However, by installing solar panels on your home, you can significantly reduce your electricity costs and ultimately save money in the long run. Through analyzing weather data specific to Aztec, such as the average UV rating, inches of precipitation, percentage cloud cover, and estimated electricity costs, we will show you how investing in a solar system can help you break even on your investment sooner than you might think. Let’s dive into the financial benefits of going solar in Aztec, New Mexico.
Aztec New Mexico Weather Trends
Aztec Precipitation
With Aztec receiving 12.48 inches of precipitation in the last year, it may seem like the perfect place to harness the power of solar energy. Compared to the rest of the country, Aztec falls into the 2nd percentile, showcasing its potential for solar energy production. While New Mexico’s average total precipitation is 13.78 inches, Aztec is right in line with this number. By taking advantage of Aztec’s unique climate, you can generate clean, renewable energy through solar panels.
Aztec’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 4.28 in the last year, Aztec ranks fairly high in the nation at the 57th percentile. This means that Aztec receives a significant amount of sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar panel installations. While New Mexico’s average UV rating is slightly higher at 4.67, Aztec’s rating is still sufficient for generating solar power. By tapping into Aztec’s sunlight potential, you can reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources and lower your electricity bills.
Aztec’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 27% in the last year, Aztec experiences relatively clear skies, ideal for solar energy production. Compared to the national average of 44.46%, Aztec’s lower cloud cover percentage means more sunlight reaches the earth’s surface, perfect for solar panels. Although New Mexico’s average cloud cover is even lower at 22.75%, Aztec still stands out for its favorable weather conditions. By maximizing the sunny days in Aztec, you can generate more solar power and see greater savings on your electricity bill.
Aztec New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents in Aztec pay about $0.14/kw for electricity, which is slightly higher than the national average of $0.13/kw. However, when compared to the rest of New Mexico, Aztec falls right in the middle at the 48th percentile. By investing in a solar system, you can take control of your electricity costs and reduce your reliance on grid power. With Aztec’s ample sunlight and moderate electricity rates, installing solar panels is a smart financial decision that can lead to long-term savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Aztec New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Aztec, 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:
- Aztec, New Mexico receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Aztec, New Mexico are very close to the national average and suitable for solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Aztec, New Mexico is lower than the national average, providing more sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Aztec, New Mexico pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.14/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 need to purchase from the grid.
- Due to the higher electricity rates in Aztec, New Mexico, the savings from using solar power will be more significant.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take approximately 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to enjoy those savings for many years beyond that initial period. Investing in solar power is a smart financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Aztec New Mexico
By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Aztec, New Mexico, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial benefits. With lower precipitation, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, Aztec provides an ideal environment for solar energy production. Additionally, despite slightly higher electricity costs compared to the national average, the potential for long-term savings through solar power is substantial. Based on our calculations, it would take around 8 years to break even on the initial investment in solar panels. This means that you can start saving money on electricity bills and reap the benefits of clean, renewable energy for many years to come. Embracing solar power not only makes financial sense but also contributes to a more sustainable future for Aztec, New Mexico.