Overview
Living in Polacca, Arizona, you may be wondering if switching to solar power is worth the investment. By analyzing weather data, electricity costs, and the cost of a solar system, it is evident that installing solar panels on your home can result in significant financial benefits in the long run. With ample sun exposure, low precipitation, and clear skies, Polacca is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. This article will break down the costs associated with installing a solar system and provide an estimate of how long it will take to break even, showing you why going solar is a smart decision for your wallet and the environment.
Polacca Arizona Weather Trends
Polacca Precipitation
With only 4.5 inches of precipitation in the last year, Polacca is in the 0th percentile nationally and the 4th percentile in Arizona. In comparison, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Arizona’s average is 12 inches. This means that Polacca’s low precipitation levels make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy efficiently.
Polacca’s UV Rating
Polacca’s average UV rating of 4.61 puts it in the 68th percentile nationally and the 20th percentile in Arizona. In comparison, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, while Arizona’s average is 5.41. Additionally, Polacca’s average max UV rating of 5.26 puts it in the 62nd percentile nationally and the 26th percentile in Arizona. These high UV ratings indicate that Polacca receives ample sunlight, making it a prime location for solar panel installation.
Polacca’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 17% cloud cover, Polacca is in the 1st percentile nationally and the 33rd percentile in Arizona. In contrast, the national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, while Arizona’s average is 19.26%. Polacca experienced 265 days with low cloud cover of 0-25%, 69 days with 25-50% cloud cover, 23 days with 50-75% cloud cover, and 7 days with 75-100% cloud cover. This limited cloud cover further highlights the viability of solar energy in Polacca.
Polacca Arizona Electricity Costs
Residents of Polacca pay about $0.13 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 80th percentile nationally and the 90th percentile in Arizona. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, while Arizona’s average matches Polacca’s at $0.13/kw. These relatively high electricity costs make the switch to solar energy not only financially advantageous but also environmentally friendly in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Polacca Arizona?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Polacca 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:
- Polacca Arizona receives much less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Polacca Arizona are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power efficiently.
- Cloud cover in Polacca Arizona is significantly lower than the national average, providing more sunlight for solar panels to produce electricity.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Polacca Arizona pay the national average price for electricity, which is $0.13/kw.
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 solar system will generate electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- Given the average electricity cost in Polacca Arizona, the savings can add up over time.
After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take approximately 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to outweigh the initial investment. Since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, you can enjoy these savings for a long time after breaking even. It’s a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment by reducing carbon emissions and reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
Investing in solar power in Polacca Arizona
Installing solar panels in Polacca, Arizona can be a smart financial move with the potential for significant long-term savings. The weather conditions in Polacca, including low precipitation, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, residents of Polacca pay relatively high electricity costs, further emphasizing the financial benefits of switching to solar power. By analyzing the costs associated with installing a solar system, it is estimated that it would take approximately 7-8 years to break even on the initial investment. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to outweigh the cost of the solar panels, making it a wise choice for both your wallet and the environment.