Overview
In La Jara, New Mexico, installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we can show you how much you can save by switching to solar power. With low precipitation levels, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, La Jara is the perfect location to harness the power of the sun. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it takes to break even, we can demonstrate the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy.
La Jara New Mexico Weather Trends
La Jara Precipitation
With only 9.17 inches of precipitation in the last year, La Jara ranks in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 32nd percentile in New Mexico. This means the sun is shining bright for most of the year in La Jara, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar power. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and New Mexico’s average of 13.78 inches, La Jara’s low precipitation levels make it a prime candidate for solar panel installation.
La Jara’s UV Rating
La Jara boasts an average UV rating of 4.22, placing it in the 55th percentile in the nation and the 27th percentile in New Mexico. While the national average UV rating is slightly higher at 4.29, La Jara’s rating of 4.22 is still conducive to efficient solar energy production. With an average max UV rating of 4.62, La Jara continues to shine brightly and surpass the national and state averages.
La Jara’s Cloud Cover
Enjoying an average of only 23% cloud cover, La Jara stands in the 3rd percentile in the nation and the 60th percentile in New Mexico. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and New Mexico’s average of 22.75%, La Jara basks in mostly clear skies, maximizing the potential for solar energy generation. With a high number of days with minimal cloud cover, La Jara provides ample opportunities for solar panels to capture sunlight.
La Jara New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents of La Jara pay around $0.14/kw for electricity, positioning the town in the 85th percentile in the nation and the 53rd percentile in New Mexico. While the national average for residential electricity costs is $0.13/kw, and New Mexico’s average is $0.15/kw, La Jara residents can benefit from relatively affordable electricity rates. By switching to solar power, homeowners can not only save money in the long run but also contribute to a greener environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in La Jara New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in La Jara, 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:
- La Jara receives significantly less rain than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in La Jara are slightly below the national average but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in La Jara is lower than the national average, with a good number of sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in La Jara 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 purchased from the grid.
- With La Jara’s slightly higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are more significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in La Jara, New Mexico. After this period, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate, eventually paying off the investment. 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 both saving money and contributing to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in La Jara New Mexico
Installing solar panels in La Jara, New Mexico is a wise financial decision. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in the area, it is evident that switching to solar power can lead to significant savings in the long term. With low precipitation levels, high UV ratings, minimal cloud cover, and relatively affordable electricity rates, La Jara is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Based on our calculations, it would take around 5 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar installation in La Jara. Beyond that, homeowners can enjoy continued savings on their electricity bills while also contributing to a cleaner, greener environment. Making the switch to solar power in La Jara, New Mexico is a smart investment for both your wallet and the planet.