Overview
In Show Low, Arizona, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can show you how much money you can save by making the switch to solar energy. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of the time it will take to break even, you’ll see that investing in solar panels is not only environmentally friendly but also a smart financial decision for residents of Show Low.
Show Low Arizona Weather Trends
Show Low Precipitation
With an average of 16.79 inches of precipitation per year, Show Low, Arizona is in the 4th percentile in the nation and the 85th percentile in Arizona. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Show Low receives significantly less rainfall. This means that solar panels in Show Low have an advantage over other areas that experience higher levels of precipitation.
Show Low’s UV Rating
The average UV rating in Show Low, Arizona is 4.4, placing it in the 61st percentile nationally and the 17th percentile in Arizona. While this may seem moderate, it is important to note that the national average UV rating is only slightly lower at 4.29. With an average maximum UV rating of 4.88, Show Low is in a good position to benefit from solar energy compared to areas with higher UV ratings like in other parts of Arizona.
Show Low’s Cloud Cover
Show Low, Arizona experiences an average cloud cover of 22%, ranking it in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 87th percentile in Arizona. With fewer cloudy days compared to the national average of 44.46%, and even the Arizona average of 19.26%, Show Low has ideal conditions for solar panel efficiency. The city had 237 days with low cloud cover, further boosting its potential for solar energy production.
Show Low Arizona Electricity Costs
Residents of Show Low, Arizona pay around $0.13/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 76th percentile in the nation and the 71st percentile in Arizona. With electricity costs in line with the national average, investing in solar panels in Show Low can lead to significant savings over time. By generating your own electricity with solar panels, you can reduce your dependency on the grid and lower your overall energy costs.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Show Low Arizona?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Show Low, 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:
- Show Low receives less rainfall than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Show Low are higher than the national average, providing ideal conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Show Low is lower than the national average, with most days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover, allowing for more solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Show Low 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 amount needed to be purchased from the grid.
- With average electricity costs, the savings from using solar power accumulate over time.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Show Low. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar panels not only helps financially but also contributes to a more sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle.
Investing in solar power in Show Low Arizona
Installing solar panels in Show Low, Arizona is a smart choice for both your wallet and the environment. By taking advantage of the ideal weather conditions and electricity costs in the area, you can expect to break even on your investment in solar panels within 8-10 years. With the potential for long-term savings and the opportunity to reduce your reliance on the grid, investing in solar energy in Show Low is a wise decision that can benefit you for years to come.