Overview
Living in Carson, New Mexico offers plenty of sunshine year-round, making it the perfect location to consider investing in solar panels for your home. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to Carson, it is clear that installing a solar system can lead to substantial financial savings in the long run. This article will break down the costs of a solar system, estimate the time it will take to break even, and highlight the significant advantages of harnessing the power of the sun in Carson, New Mexico.
Carson New Mexico Weather Trends
Carson Precipitation
Living in Carson, New Mexico means experiencing an average of 15.91 inches of precipitation annually. Compared to the rest of the country, Carson falls in the 3rd percentile, indicating a lower level of rainfall. However, when looking at New Mexico as a whole, Carson ranks in the 69th percentile for precipitation. With the national average at 50.61 inches and New Mexico’s average at 13.78 inches, it is clear that Carson’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Carson’s UV Rating
Carson, New Mexico enjoys an average UV rating of 3.87, making it a prime location for harnessing solar energy. This places Carson in the 39th percentile nationally and the 13th percentile within New Mexico. Comparatively, the national average UV rating stands at 4.29, while New Mexico’s average maintains at 4.67. Additionally, Carson records an average max UV rating of 4.22, positioning it in the 38th percentile nationally and the 14th percentile among New Mexico’s cities. These UV ratings emphasize the abundant sunlight Carson receives, perfect for generating solar power for your home.
Carson’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 27%, Carson, New Mexico basks in sunny skies for a significant portion of the year. This ranks Carson in the 5th percentile nationally and the 89th percentile in the state. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover stands at 44.46%, while New Mexico’s average hovers at 22.75%. Carson logged 209 days with minimal cloud cover (0-25%), 91 days with moderate cloudiness (25-50%), 45 days with high cloud cover (50-75%), and 19 days with complete cloud coverage (75-100%). This data underscores the sun-drenched conditions in Carson, making it an excellent location for solar panel installation.
Carson New Mexico Electricity Costs
Carson, New Mexico residents pay approximately $0.19 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, positioning the city in the 97th percentile nationally and the 92nd percentile within New Mexico. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity costs is $0.13/kw, while New Mexico averages $0.15/kw. These higher electricity rates in Carson highlight the significant financial savings that can be achieved by making the switch to solar power, ensuring long-term benefits and reduced energy expenses for residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Carson New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Carson 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:
- Carson New Mexico receives less precipitation compared to the national average, which is suitable for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Carson New Mexico are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Carson New Mexico is lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Carson New Mexico 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 system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- With Carson New Mexico’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even greater.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Plus, considering that solar panels last for a long time, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. It’s a wise way to save money and contribute to a greener future!
Investing in solar power in Carson New Mexico
Living in Carson, New Mexico provides an excellent opportunity to invest in solar panels for your home. The weather trends in Carson, with low precipitation levels, abundant sunshine, and minimal cloud cover, make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, the higher electricity costs in Carson mean that switching to solar power can lead to substantial financial savings in the long run. By analyzing the weather data, electricity costs, and estimating the time to break even on the investment in solar panels, it is clear that choosing solar power in Carson, New Mexico is not only financially prudent but also a step towards a more sustainable future.