Overview
If you’re a resident of Gallup, New Mexico, you may be considering whether installing solar panels on your home is worth the investment. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to this area, we can demonstrate the financial benefits of going solar. With an average of 280 sunny days a year, a high UV rating, and low cloud cover, Gallup is an ideal location for harnessing the power of the sun to generate electricity. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, we can show you how making the switch to solar energy can save you money in the long run.
Gallup New Mexico Weather Trends
Gallup Precipitation
With only 11.01 inches of precipitation in the last year, Gallup, New Mexico is in the 2nd percentile nationally and the 40th percentile within the state. This means that compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Gallup receives significantly less rainfall. In fact, New Mexico’s average for total precipitation is 13.78 inches, making Gallup one of the driest locations in the state.
Gallup’s UV Rating
Gallup New Mexico had an average UV rating of 4.33 in the last year, placing it in the 59th percentile in the nation and the 36th percentile in New Mexico. While the national average for UV rating is 4.29, New Mexico’s average is slightly higher at 4.67. Additionally, Gallup experienced an average max UV rating of 4.78, which is above both the national and state averages. This indicates that Gallup receives ample sunlight to generate solar energy efficiently.
Gallup’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 22% cloud cover in the last year, Gallup ranks in the 3rd percentile nationally and the 52nd percentile in New Mexico. This low cloud cover percentage is favorable for solar panel installations, as it allows for maximum exposure to sunlight. Compared to the national average of 44.46% cloud cover, Gallup’s clear skies make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, the distribution of cloud cover days in Gallup shows that the majority of days have little to no cloud cover, further optimizing solar energy production.
Gallup New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents of Gallup, New Mexico pay around $0.14/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw but lower than the state average of $0.15/kw. By installing solar panels, homeowners in Gallup can offset the rising costs of electricity and potentially even generate excess energy to sell back to the grid. With abundant sunlight and relatively higher electricity rates, making the switch to solar energy in Gallup can lead to significant long-term savings on utility bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Gallup New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Gallup, 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:
- Gallup receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Gallup are slightly above the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Gallup is lower than the national average, allowing for more sunlight to reach solar panels.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Gallup 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 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 electricity bills.
- With Gallup’s slightly higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are even more significant.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after that time, the money saved on electricity bills will start to outweigh the initial investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, this investment will continue to provide savings for many years to come. It’s a wise decision both financially and environmentally!
Investing in solar power in Gallup New Mexico
Based on the analysis of weather trends and electricity costs in Gallup, New Mexico, it is clear that installing solar panels can be a wise investment. With abundant sunlight, low cloud cover, and slightly higher electricity rates, residents can expect to break even on the cost of solar panels in just 5-6 years. This means that switching to solar energy not only saves money in the long run but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Making the switch to solar power is a smart choice for homeowners in Gallup looking to save on utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint.