Overview
Discover how switching to solar energy can save you money on your electricity bills in Santa Rosa, New Mexico. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we break down the financial benefits of installing a solar panel system on your home. Find out how long it may take for your investment in solar panels to pay off!
Santa Rosa New Mexico Weather Trends
Santa Rosa Precipitation
With only 15.39 inches of precipitation in the last year, Santa Rosa is in the 3rd percentile in the nation and the 66th percentile in New Mexico. Compare this to the national average of 50.61 inches and New Mexico’s average of 13.78 inches. Having low precipitation levels means that solar panels will not be obstructed by rain as often, allowing for more consistent energy production throughout the year.
Santa Rosa’s UV Rating
Santa Rosa’s average UV rating of 5.08 places it in the 80th percentile in the nation and the 68th percentile in New Mexico. In comparison, the national average is 4.29 while New Mexico’s average is 4.67. This high UV rating means that Santa Rosa receives abundant sunshine, making it an ideal location for solar energy production. With a max UV rating of 5.63, Santa Rosa has even more potential for harnessing solar power efficiently.
Santa Rosa’s Cloud Cover
Having an average of 23% cloud cover in the last year, Santa Rosa is in the 3rd percentile in the nation and the 58th percentile in New Mexico. In contrast, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46% and New Mexico’s average is 22.75%. With 225 days of minimal cloud cover, Santa Rosa offers plenty of clear days for optimal solar energy generation. This means that solar panels can consistently produce electricity throughout the year, maximizing savings on your electricity bill.
Santa Rosa New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residential electricity in Santa Rosa costs about $0.14/kw, placing the city in the 89th percentile in the nation and the 63rd percentile in New Mexico. In comparison, the national average is $0.13/kw, while New Mexico’s average is $0.15/kw. With slightly higher than average electricity costs, installing solar panels can help offset these expenses and reduce your reliance on traditional grid electricity, ultimately saving you money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Santa Rosa New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Santa Rosa 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:
- Santa Rosa New Mexico receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it an ideal location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Santa Rosa New Mexico are higher than the national average, making it perfect for generating solar power efficiently.
- The cloud cover in Santa Rosa New Mexico is lower than the national average, which is great for solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Santa Rosa New Mexico 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 need to purchase as much from the grid.
- With Santa Rosa New Mexico’s higher electricity rates, the savings are even more significant.
After doing the calculations, it appears that it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. It’s both a financially sound and environmentally friendly choice!
Investing in solar power in Santa Rosa New Mexico
Switching to solar energy in Santa Rosa, New Mexico can be a smart financial decision. With low precipitation levels, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, the city provides an ideal environment for solar energy production. Additionally, slightly higher than average electricity costs make investing in solar panels even more beneficial. By analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take around 5-6 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar panel system. This means that not only will you save money on electricity bills in the long run, but you will also contribute to a more sustainable future. Making the switch to solar power in Santa Rosa is a win-win situation!