Overview
Living in Tombstone, Arizona, presents a unique opportunity to save money on electricity bills by harnessing the power of solar energy. By analyzing weather data which shows consistently high levels of UV exposure and minimal cloud cover throughout the year, it is clear that installing solar panels on your home is a wise financial decision. With the cost of solar systems becoming more affordable, residents can expect to break even on their investment in a relatively short amount of time, ultimately leading to significant long-term savings on energy costs.
Tombstone Arizona Weather Trends
Tombstone Precipitation
With only 8.67 inches of precipitation in the last year, Tombstone is in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 43rd percentile in Arizona. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Arizona’s average is 12 inches. This low precipitation level means sunny days are plentiful in Tombstone, making it an ideal location for solar energy production.
Tombstone’s UV Rating
In the last year, Tombstone had an average UV rating of 5.54, ranking it in the 89th percentile in the nation and the 53rd percentile in Arizona. This high UV rating means that residents can benefit from ample sunlight to power their solar panels efficiently. Comparatively, the national average for UV rating is 4.29, while Arizona’s average is 5.41. Additionally, Tombstone had an average max UV rating of 6.18, placing it in the 81st percentile nationally and the 55th percentile in Arizona. These high UV levels further emphasize the potential for solar energy savings.
Tombstone’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 18% cloud cover in the last year, Tombstone is in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 42nd percentile in Arizona. In comparison, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Arizona’s average is 19.26%. Additionally, Tombstone experienced 264 days with minimal cloud cover, providing ample sunlight for solar panel efficiency. The low cloud cover levels in Tombstone make it an excellent location for harnessing solar energy.
Tombstone Arizona Electricity Costs
Residents of Tombstone pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, which puts them in the 76th percentile in the nation and the 73rd percentile in Arizona. The national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, aligning with Tombstone’s costs. By investing in solar panels, residents can offset these electricity expenses and potentially even generate excess energy to sell back to the grid, leading to long-term savings on energy costs.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Tombstone Arizona?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Tombstone 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:
- Tombstone Arizona receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Tombstone Arizona are higher than the national average, indicating great potential for solar power generation.
- Cloud cover in Tombstone Arizona is lower than the national average, with many days having clear skies, ideal for solar energy production.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Tombstone Arizona pay the national average of $0.13/kw for electricity, which is a good baseline for cost comparison.
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, providing long-term benefits.
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:
- By generating electricity from solar panels, homeowners can reduce their reliance on the grid, leading to significant savings.
- Given the average electricity cost in Tombstone Arizona, the potential savings from solar power usage are considerable.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take around 6-7 years to recoup the initial investment in solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to outweigh the cost of the solar installation. Considering the long lifespan of solar panels, this investment offers both financial benefits and a positive impact on the environment for many years to come.
Investing in solar power in Tombstone Arizona
Living in Tombstone, Arizona, provides an ideal setting for harnessing solar energy to save on electricity bills. With high UV exposure, minimal cloud cover, and relatively low precipitation, installing solar panels is a smart financial decision. The potential for long-term savings on energy costs, combined with affordable solar system prices and the opportunity to sell excess energy back to the grid, makes investing in solar power in Tombstone a worthwhile endeavor. By breaking even on the initial investment in around 6-7 years, residents can enjoy both economic benefits and a positive environmental impact for years to come.