Overview
Living in Las Vegas, Nevada, you have surely experienced the high costs associated with cooling your home during the scorching summer months. But what if there was a way to offset those expenses and save money in the long run? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for. By harnessing the abundant sunshine in Las Vegas, you can significantly reduce your electricity bills and potentially even earn money back through net metering. In this article, we will break down the costs of a solar system, estimate the time it will take to break even, and show you why going solar is a smart financial decision for Las Vegas residents.
Las Vegas Nevada Weather Trends
Las Vegas Precipitation
With Las Vegas receiving only 8.28 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the city’s weather is dryer compared to both the rest of Nevada and the nation. In fact, Las Vegas falls in the 1st percentile in the nation for total precipitation, putting it in the 9th percentile in the state of Nevada. This arid climate makes it the perfect location to harness the power of solar energy to offset high cooling costs.
Las Vegas’s UV Rating
Las Vegas’s average UV rating of 5.59 in the last year puts it in the 90th percentile in the nation and the 85th percentile in Nevada. The high UV ratings mean that the city receives abundant sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar panel installations. With an average max UV rating of 6.22, Las Vegas ranks in the 82nd percentile in the nation and the 86th percentile in Nevada, further highlighting the potential for solar energy production.
Las Vegas’s Cloud Cover
Las Vegas’s average cloud cover of 17% in the last year places it in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 11th percentile in Nevada. This low cloud cover means that there are many clear days throughout the year, allowing for consistent solar energy generation. With 270 days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover, residents can rely on the sun to power their homes efficiently and effectively.
Las Vegas Nevada Electricity Costs
Residents of Las Vegas, Nevada pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, which is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. This puts Las Vegas in the 46th percentile in the nation and the 74th percentile in Nevada. By installing solar panels, Las Vegas residents can take advantage of the abundant sunlight to generate their own electricity and reduce their reliance on traditional utility companies, ultimately saving money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Las Vegas Nevada?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Las Vegas, Nevada, 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:
- Las Vegas gets significantly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it an ideal location for solar panel installations.
- The UV ratings in Las Vegas are higher than the national average, indicating excellent conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Las Vegas is much lower than the national average, with the majority of days having minimal cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Las Vegas pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making it a cost-effective choice for 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, especially with lower electricity costs in Las Vegas.
- Given the favorable weather conditions, the efficiency of the solar panels will be maximized for greater savings.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar energy is a practical way to save money and contribute to a sustainable future!
Investing in solar power in Las Vegas Nevada
Installing solar panels in Las Vegas, Nevada can be a smart financial decision for residents looking to offset high cooling costs. With the city’s arid climate, abundant sunlight, and low cloud cover, solar energy production is optimal. Considering the slightly lower electricity costs in Las Vegas, investing in a solar system could lead to significant savings in the long run. By analyzing the data, it is estimated that residents could break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 6 years, after which they will start accumulating savings on electricity bills. This sustainable energy solution not only saves money but also contributes to a greener future.