Overview
Are you a Los Alamos New Mexico resident looking to save money on your electricity bill? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will show you how you can break even on your investment in a solar system and start saving money in the long run. With the right information, you can make an informed decision to switch to solar and reap the financial benefits for years to come.
Los Alamos New Mexico Weather Trends
Los Alamos Precipitation
With only 14.77 inches of precipitation in the last year, Los Alamos New Mexico is in the 3rd percentile in the nation and the 63rd percentile in New Mexico. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Los Alamos sees significantly less rainfall. This lower amount of precipitation means that your solar panels will have more clear days to generate electricity compared to other areas in the country and the state.
Los Alamos’s UV Rating
Los Alamos New Mexico had an average UV rating of 4.19 in the last year, placing it in the 53rd percentile in the nation and the 20th percentile in New Mexico. With an average max UV rating of 4.62, Los Alamos is in the 48th percentile nationally and the 26th percentile within the state. These UV ratings indicate that your solar panels will receive ample sunlight to produce energy efficiently, making them a great investment for your home.
Los Alamos’s Cloud Cover
On average, Los Alamos New Mexico had only 23% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 3rd percentile nationwide and the 58th percentile in New Mexico. Compared to the national average of 44.46% cloud cover, and New Mexico’s average of 22.75%, Los Alamos experiences fewer cloudy days. This means that your solar panels will have more opportunities to soak up sunlight and generate electricity efficiently throughout the year.
Los Alamos New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents of Los Alamos pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 76th percentile nationally and the 38th percentile within New Mexico. With the national average also at $0.13/kw, Los Alamos offers competitive electricity rates. Considering New Mexico’s average of $0.15/kw, switching to solar panels can help you save money on your electricity bills in the long run, making it a financially wise decision.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Los Alamos New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Los Alamos, 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:
- Los Alamos receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Los Alamos are slightly below the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Los Alamos is lower than the national average, with most days having minimal cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Los Alamos pay the national average price for electricity.
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 need to purchase from the grid.
- With average electricity costs, the savings are consistent over time.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Los Alamos, New Mexico. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate, and the investment will begin to pay off. Considering the long lifespan of solar panels, this investment will continue to provide savings for many years to come, making it a wise financial and environmental decision.
Investing in solar power in Los Alamos New Mexico
Installing solar panels in Los Alamos, New Mexico can be a smart financial decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, it is clear that solar panels in Los Alamos have ample sunlight and fewer cloudy days to generate energy efficiently. With electricity costs in line with the national average, switching to solar can lead to significant savings over time. Based on the data presented, it is estimated that residents could break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 5 years, after which the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate. Overall, switching to solar power in Los Alamos can provide long-term financial benefits, making it a wise investment for homeowners in the area.