Overview
Are you a Taos resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar in Taos, New Mexico, using weather data and electricity costs specific to the area. By analyzing the amount of sunshine Taos receives, along with the cost of a solar system, we will show you how quickly you can break even on your investment and start enjoying significant savings on your monthly energy expenses.
Taos New Mexico Weather Trends
Taos Precipitation
With only 19.94 inches of precipitation in the last year, Taos is in the 6th percentile in the nation and the 86th percentile in New Mexico. This means your solar panels will have more sunny days to generate electricity compared to other locations in the country and state. The national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, and New Mexico’s average is 13.78 inches. Investing in solar panels in Taos will give you more opportunities to harness the power of the sun and save on your energy bills.
Taos’s UV Rating
Taos New Mexico had an average UV rating of 3.74 in the last year, placing it in the 32nd percentile in the nation and the 9th percentile in New Mexico. While these numbers may seem average, they indicate that Taos receives a substantial amount of sunlight ideal for solar energy production. The national average for average UV rating is 4.29, and New Mexico’s average is 4.67. With a higher max UV rating of 4.15, Taos continues to shine when it comes to solar energy potential.
Taos’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Taos had an average of 27% cloud cover, placing it in the 5th percentile in the nation and the 89th percentile in New Mexico. With 213 days of minimal cloud cover, Taos provides ample opportunities for solar panels to soak up sunshine and convert it into electricity efficiently. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while New Mexico’s average is 22.75%. This means Taos residents have more clear days to benefit from solar power.
Taos New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents in Taos pay about $0.18/kw for electricity, placing them in the 97th percentile in the nation and the 90th percentile in New Mexico. Although this rate is slightly higher than the national and state averages of $0.13/kw and $0.15/kw, investing in solar panels can significantly reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources and save you money in the long run. Switching to solar power in Taos will help you combat rising electricity costs and enjoy sustainable energy savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Taos New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Taos, 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:
- Taos, New Mexico receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Taos are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Taos, New Mexico is lower than the national average, with many days having little to no cloud cover.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Taos, New Mexico pay 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 amount needed from the grid.
- With Taos’ higher electricity rates, the savings will be significant.
After calculating, it seems that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Furthermore, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. It’s a wise financial choice that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Taos New Mexico
Installing solar panels in Taos, New Mexico can be a smart financial decision for residents looking to save money on their electricity bills. With its high levels of sunshine, low cloud cover, and slightly higher electricity costs, Taos provides an ideal environment for solar energy production. By investing in a solar system, residents can expect to break even on their initial investment in approximately 7 years, leading to long-term savings and a more sustainable energy source for years to come. So, if you’re considering making the switch to solar power in Taos, now is the perfect time to start reaping the benefits!