Overview
In Dora, New Mexico, the decision to switch to solar energy can lead to significant financial benefits for homeowners. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Dora, we can show how investing in solar panels can help you save money in the long run. With the average amount of sunlight in Dora, along with the cost breakdown of a solar system, we can estimate the time it will take for you to break even and start enjoying the savings on your electricity bill.
Dora New Mexico Weather Trends
Dora Precipitation
With Dora, New Mexico receiving only 18.3 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that Dora is in the 5th percentile in the nation for total precipitation. Compared to the rest of New Mexico, Dora ranks in the 78th percentile. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, significantly higher than what Dora experiences. New Mexico’s average for total precipitation is 13.78 inches, highlighting the drier climate of the region.
Dora’s UV Rating
In the last year, Dora, New Mexico had an average UV rating of 5.3, positioning Dora in the 85th percentile in the nation and the 78th percentile in New Mexico. This high UV rating indicates ample sunlight for solar energy production. When comparing to national averages, Dora’s average UV rating of 5.3 is higher than the national average of 4.29, and just slightly lower than New Mexico’s average of 4.67. Additionally, Dora had an average max UV rating of 5.87, placing it in the 75th percentile in the nation and the 81st percentile in New Mexico.
Dora’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 22% cloud cover in the last year, Dora, New Mexico ranks in the 3rd percentile in the nation and the 53rd percentile in New Mexico for cloud cover. Compared to the national average of 44.46%, Dora experiences significantly lower cloud cover, making it an ideal location for solar energy harnessing. Throughout the year, Dora had 232 days with between 0% and 25% cloud cover, which is beneficial for consistent solar power generation.
Dora New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents in Dora, New Mexico pay approximately $0.09 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing Dora in the 4th percentile in the nation for residential electricity costs. When compared to the rest of New Mexico, Dora falls into the 10th percentile. The national average for residential electricity costs is $0.13 per kilowatt-hour, indicating that Dora residents enjoy lower electricity rates. New Mexico’s average for residential electricity is slightly higher at $0.15 per kilowatt-hour.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Dora New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Dora, 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:
- Dora, New Mexico receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Dora, New Mexico are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power efficiently.
- Cloud cover in Dora, New Mexico is lower than the national average, meaning more sunlight for solar panels to produce electricity.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Dora, New Mexico pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which means lower operational costs for a solar system.
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, providing long-term savings on electricity bills.
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:
- Solar panels generate electricity, reducing the dependency on the grid and lowering electricity bills.
- With Dora, New Mexico’s lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take approximately 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Dora, New Mexico. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, significant long-term savings can be enjoyed after the initial break-even period. It’s a wise financial decision that also contributes to a sustainable environment!
Investing in solar power in Dora New Mexico
Switching to solar energy in Dora, New Mexico can bring substantial financial benefits to homeowners. The combination of Dora’s weather trends and low electricity costs make it an ideal location for investing in solar panels. With a break-even period estimated at around 8-10 years, the long-term savings on electricity bills can make the initial investment worthwhile. Not only does this decision make financial sense, but it also contributes to a sustainable future for Dora and the environment as a whole.