Overview
In Belen, New Mexico, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can estimate how much money you could save by using solar energy. With this information, we can break down the cost of a solar system and project how long it will take for you to see a return on your investment. Let’s explore the potential financial advantages of going solar in Belen.
Belen New Mexico Weather Trends
Belen Precipitation
With only 6.32 inches of precipitation in the last year, Belen ranks in the 0th percentile nationally and the 13th percentile in New Mexico. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and New Mexico’s average of 13.78 inches, Belen’s low rainfall makes it an ideal location for solar energy.
Belen’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 4.99 places Belen in the 78th percentile in the nation and the 63rd percentile in New Mexico. The national average is 4.29, and New Mexico’s average is 4.67. With an average max UV rating of 5.61, Belen is in the 69th percentile nationwide and 65th percentile in the state. These high UV ratings make Belen a prime spot for solar power generation.
Belen’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 22%, Belen sits in the 2nd percentile nationally and the 43rd percentile in the state. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while New Mexico averages 22.75%. With a significant number of days with clear skies, Belen provides ample sunshine for solar panels to harness energy efficiently.
Belen New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residential electricity in Belen costs about $0.15/kw, positioning the city in the 93rd percentile nationally and the 70th percentile in New Mexico. The national average is $0.13/kw, while New Mexico’s average matches Belen’s at $0.15/kw. By investing in solar panels, Belen residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and cut down on their overall energy expenses.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Belen New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Belen, 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:
- Belen, New Mexico receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Belen are higher than the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Belen is lower than the national average, with many days having minimal cloud cover, ideal for solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Belen, New Mexico pay slightly more for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.15/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, which means residents won’t need to buy as much from the grid, leading to savings.
- With Belen’s higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar panels will be significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Belen, New Mexico. This means that after the initial period, the money saved on electricity bills will start accumulating and pay off the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so after this period, residents will continue to benefit from savings for many years. Investing in solar energy is a wise financial decision that also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Belen New Mexico
Investing in solar energy in Belen, New Mexico can be a financially beneficial decision. With low precipitation, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, the city provides ideal conditions for solar power generation. Additionally, with electricity costs slightly higher than the national average, residents can see significant savings by switching to solar panels. By analyzing the data, we have estimated that it would take approximately 5-6 years to break even on the initial investment, after which residents can enjoy long-term savings on their electricity bills. Overall, going solar in Belen not only saves money but also supports environmental sustainability, making it a smart choice for homeowners in the area.