Overview
Cortaro, Arizona residents can save money on electricity bills by investing in solar panels for their homes. With favorable weather conditions including high UV ratings and low average cloud cover, solar panels can efficiently generate electricity all year round. By analyzing the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it takes to break even, this article will show residents the financial benefits of going solar in Cortaro.
Cortaro Arizona Weather Trends
Cortaro Precipitation
With only 12.96 inches of precipitation in the last year, Cortaro Arizona is in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 66th percentile in Arizona. This low amount of precipitation means that solar panels in Cortaro can operate efficiently without frequent interruptions from rain, unlike other parts of the country with higher average rainfall.
Cortaro’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 6.04, Cortaro Arizona ranks in the 96th percentile in the nation and the 70th percentile in Arizona. This high UV rating indicates that solar panels in Cortaro can generate a significant amount of electricity throughout the year, as compared to areas with lower UV ratings across the country and within Arizona.
Cortaro’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 17% cloud cover in the last year, Cortaro Arizona is in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 29th percentile in Arizona. This minimal cloud cover allows solar panels in Cortaro to receive consistent sunlight, ensuring efficient electricity generation on most days. In contrast, areas with higher cloud cover may experience reduced solar production.
Cortaro Arizona Electricity Costs
Residents in Cortaro pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, placing the town in the 61st percentile in the nation and the 52nd percentile in Arizona. With electricity costs slightly lower than the national average of $0.13/kw, investing in solar panels can further reduce monthly electricity bills, making it a financially beneficial choice for homeowners in Cortaro.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Cortaro Arizona?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Cortaro, Arizona, 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:
- Cortaro, Arizona receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Cortaro are higher than the national average, making it a great location for solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Cortaro is significantly lower than the national average, with most days having clear skies.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Cortaro, Arizona pay slightly less 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 and resulting in savings on electricity bills.
- With the slightly lower electricity rates in Cortaro, the savings might be slightly less compared to other locations.
After considering all the factors, it looks like it would take approximately 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the initial investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is a smart choice for saving money in the long run and contributing to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Cortaro Arizona
Investing in solar panels in Cortaro, Arizona can lead to significant financial benefits for residents. With high UV ratings, low cloud cover, and lower-than-average electricity costs, solar panels in Cortaro are efficient in generating electricity and reducing monthly bills. By analyzing the costs and estimated time to break even, it is clear that investing in solar power is a wise choice for homeowners in Cortaro. The initial investment in solar panels can be recouped within 8-10 years, leading to long-term savings and a cleaner environment. It’s a smart move for residents to consider going solar in Cortaro, Arizona.