Overview
In Prescott, Arizona, installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the long run. With sunny weather year-round, you can take advantage of the high UV ratings to generate your own clean energy. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we can show you how much you can save on your monthly bills with a solar system. Our article breaks down the cost of installation and estimates how long it will take for you to break even, making the switch to solar a financially smart choice for Prescott residents.
Prescott Arizona Weather Trends
Prescott Precipitation
In the last year Prescott Arizona received 14.12 inches of precipitation. Compared to the rest of the nation, Prescott is in the 3rd percentile, while in Arizona, it is in the 73rd percentile. With the national average for total precipitation at 50.61 inches and Arizona’s average at 12 inches, it’s clear that Prescott’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar energy.
Prescott’s UV Rating
In the last year, Prescott Arizona had an average UV rating of 4.81, placing it in the 73rd percentile across the nation and the 32nd percentile within Arizona. With the national average for UV rating at 4.29 and Arizona’s average at 5.41, Prescott’s consistently high UV ratings make it a prime location for harnessing solar power efficiently. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 5.39 further solidifies Prescott’s suitability for solar energy production.
Prescott’s Cloud Cover
Over the past year, Prescott Arizona maintained an average of 19% cloud cover, ranking it in the 1st percentile nationwide and the 62nd percentile in Arizona. With the national average for cloud cover at 44.46% and Arizona’s average at 19.26%, Prescott’s minimal cloud coverage provides optimum conditions for solar panel performance. The city experienced a significant number of days with low cloud cover, making it an ideal environment for solar energy generation.
Prescott Arizona Electricity Costs
Prescott Arizona residents pay approximately $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 77th percentile both nationally and within Arizona. With the national average for residential electricity also at $0.13/kw and Arizona’s average matching that, Prescott’s electricity costs are competitive. By investing in solar panels, residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills and take advantage of the abundant sunshine the city has to offer.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Prescott Arizona?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Prescott 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:
- Prescott Arizona receives less precipitation than the national average, making it ideal for solar panel installations.
- The UV ratings are higher than the national average, indicating good sunlight for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Prescott Arizona is significantly lower than the national average, with many days having clear skies for optimal solar power generation.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Prescott Arizona pay the national average for electricity, making it a standard cost compared to other areas in the country.
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, which means residents don’t need to buy as much from the grid, leading to savings on electricity bills.
- With the average electricity cost, the savings will contribute to recouping the initial investment over time.
After assessing the data, it seems like it would take roughly 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Prescott Arizona. Once this period is over, the savings on electricity bills will continue to accumulate, ensuring a return on investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for up to 30 years, the long-term savings and benefits are significant. Investing in solar power is not only a financial gain but also a step towards sustainable energy use.
Investing in solar power in Prescott Arizona
With all the data considered, it’s clear that installing solar panels in Prescott, Arizona is a wise financial decision. The city’s favorable weather conditions, including high UV ratings and low precipitation and cloud cover, make it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Couple that with competitive electricity costs, and it’s evident that residents can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels within approximately 7 years. Not only will this lead to long-term savings on electricity bills, but it also signifies a move towards more sustainable energy practices. Choosing solar power in Prescott is not only beneficial for your wallet but also for the environment.