Overview
Fountain Hills, Arizona residents can save a substantial amount of money by installing solar panels on their homes. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, it is clear that investing in solar energy can lead to significant financial benefits. This article will break down the costs of a solar system, estimate the time it will take to break even, and demonstrate how going solar is a smart financial decision for Fountain Hills residents.
Fountain Hills Arizona Weather Trends
Fountain Hills Precipitation
With 11.06 inches of precipitation in the last year, Fountain Hills is in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 56th percentile in Arizona. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Arizona’s average of 12 inches, Fountain Hills’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Fountain Hills’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 6.29 in the last year places Fountain Hills in the 98th percentile in the nation and the 78th percentile in Arizona. With an average max UV rating of 6.97, Fountain Hills ranks high compared to the national and state averages. This high UV exposure makes it a prime location for harnessing solar energy efficiently.
Fountain Hills’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 17% cloud cover and a majority of days with minimal cloud cover, Fountain Hills is in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 27th percentile in Arizona. Comparing it to the national average of 44.46% and Arizona’s average of 19.26%, Fountain Hills’s clear skies offer optimal conditions for solar panel performance throughout the year.
Fountain Hills Arizona Electricity Costs
Residents of Fountain Hills pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 60th percentile in the nation and the 50th percentile in Arizona. While the national and state averages stand at $0.13/kw, opting for solar energy can significantly reduce long-term electricity expenses and increase overall savings in the sunny locale of Fountain Hills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Fountain Hills Arizona?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fountain Hills, 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:
- Fountain Hills gets significantly less rain than the national average, making it an ideal location for solar energy production.
- The UV ratings in Fountain Hills are higher than the national average, indicating ample sunlight for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.
- Cloud cover in Fountain Hills is lower than the national average, providing more clear days for solar panels to work effectively.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Fountain Hills pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, reducing the overall cost of using solar energy.
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 saving money on utility bills.
- With lower electricity costs in Fountain Hills, the savings from using solar power will be significant.
After calculating the numbers, it appears that it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Fountain Hills, Arizona. This means that after this period, the savings from reduced electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, there will be many years of continued savings and benefits. Investing in solar energy is not only a smart financial decision but also a sustainable choice for the environment.
Investing in solar power in Fountain Hills Arizona
In conclusion, installing solar panels in Fountain Hills, Arizona can lead to substantial financial benefits for residents. With lower precipitation levels, higher UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, the area provides optimal conditions for solar energy production. Coupled with slightly lower electricity costs compared to the national average, investing in solar power can result in long-term savings. By breaking down the costs and estimating the time to break even, it is evident that going solar is not only a wise financial decision but also a sustainable choice for the environment in Fountain Hills.