Overview
Are you a Continental Divide New Mexico resident looking to save money on your electricity bill? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar power by analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area. By the end, you will have a better understanding of how much money you could save and how long it will take for your solar system to pay for itself.
Continental Divide New Mexico Weather Trends
Continental Divide Precipitation
With an average of 11.25 inches of precipitation in the last year, Continental Divide New Mexico stands in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 41st percentile in New Mexico. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and New Mexico’s average of 13.78 inches, it’s evident that Continental Divide has drier conditions that are ideal for harnessing solar power effectively. By utilizing solar panels, residents can take advantage of the abundant sunshine and reduce their reliance on traditional grid electricity.
Continental Divide’s UV Rating
At an average UV rating of 4.31 in the last year, Continental Divide is in the 58th percentile nationwide and the 34th percentile within New Mexico. Comparing this to the national average of 4.29 and New Mexico’s average of 4.67, it’s clear that the area receives a moderate amount of sunlight perfect for generating solar energy. By switching to solar power, residents can tap into this valuable resource to lower their electricity bills and decrease their carbon footprint.
Continental Divide’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 23% cloud cover in the last year, Continental Divide ranks in the 3rd percentile nationwide and the 65th percentile in New Mexico. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and New Mexico’s average of 22.75%, Continental Divide experiences fewer cloudy days, making it an excellent location for solar panel installation. By capitalizing on the sunny days, residents can save money on their electricity costs and contribute to a cleaner environment.
Continental Divide New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents of Continental Divide pay around $0.14 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 83rd percentile nationally and the 47th percentile within New Mexico. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while New Mexico’s average is $0.15/kw. By transitioning to solar power, residents can lock in low energy costs and protect themselves from potential future rate hikes, ultimately saving money in the long run and supporting sustainable energy practices.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Continental Divide New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Continental Divide, 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:
- Continental Divide gets less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Continental Divide are slightly higher than the national average, ideal for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Continental Divide is lower than the national average, with a good number of sunny days.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Continental Divide pay slightly 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 will 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:
- By generating electricity, you’ll reduce the amount purchased from the grid, resulting in savings on your electricity bills.
- Considering the higher electricity rates in Continental Divide, the savings would be significant.
Based on the calculations, it seems that it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. After this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar power is a wise decision to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Continental Divide New Mexico
After analyzing the weather trends in Continental Divide, New Mexico, and the electricity costs for residents, it is evident that switching to solar power could lead to significant savings. With the area’s low precipitation, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, solar panels can harness abundant sunlight effectively. Additionally, despite slightly higher electricity costs, investing in a solar system could pay for itself in as little as 4-5 years. By making the switch to solar power, residents can not only save money on their electricity bills but also support sustainable energy practices for a cleaner environment in the long run.