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Solar and Electricity Data for Torreon, NM: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Torreon, NM at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
7.1/10 9.7/10 9.8/10 6.3/10 9.6/10
Excellent 23% daily 1 inches monthly 4.5 on average 0.17/kw

Overview

In Torreon, New Mexico, 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 estimate how long it will take for you to break even on your investment. With ample sunlight throughout the year and rising electricity rates, transitioning to solar power could be a smart financial decision for homeowners in Torreon.

Torreon New Mexico Weather Trends

Torreon Precipitation

With Torreon New Mexico receiving only 12.25 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 50th percentile in New Mexico. This is significantly lower than the national average of 50.61 inches and slightly lower than New Mexico’s average of 13.78 inches. This means that Torreon residents can count on sunny days for most of the year, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.

Torreon’s UV Rating

Having an average UV rating of 4.46 in the last year, Torreon is in the 63rd percentile in the nation and the 46th percentile in New Mexico. This is higher than the national average of 4.29 but slightly lower than New Mexico’s average of 4.67. With an average max UV rating of 4.86, Torreon ranks in the 54th percentile nationally and the 42nd percentile in New Mexico. This level of solar exposure makes Torreon a prime location for generating solar power for your home.

Torreon’s Cloud Cover

Recording an average of 23% cloud cover in the last year, Torreon is in the 3rd percentile in the nation and the 68th percentile in New Mexico. This is significantly lower than the national average of 44.46% and slightly higher than New Mexico’s average of 22.75%. With the majority of days having minimal cloud cover, Torreon offers great potential for solar panel efficiency and energy generation throughout the year.

Torreon New Mexico Electricity Costs

Residents of Torreon pay about $0.17/kw for electricity, ranking them in the 96th percentile in the nation and the 83rd percentile in New Mexico. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while New Mexico’s average is $0.15/kw. With electricity costs higher than average, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings on your energy bills while also reducing your carbon footprint.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Torreon New Mexico?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Torreon, 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:

  • Torreon, New Mexico receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panel installations.
  • The UV ratings in Torreon, New Mexico are higher than the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Torreon, New Mexico is lower than the national average, with most days having between 0% and 25% cloud cover, optimal for solar panels.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Torreon, New Mexico pay more for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.17/kw.

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 buy from the grid, especially at the higher rates in Torreon, New Mexico.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Considering the long lifespan of solar panels, you will continue to save on electricity costs for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels in Torreon, New Mexico can be a beneficial financial decision while also contributing to a sustainable and eco-friendly way of living.

Investing in solar power in Torreon New Mexico

Ultimately, installing solar panels in Torreon, New Mexico can result in significant financial savings for homeowners over time. With ample sunlight, low cloud cover, and higher-than-average electricity costs, transitioning to solar power could lead to substantial long-term benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we estimate that it would take approximately 8 years to break even on the initial investment. Beyond that, homeowners can continue to save on electricity bills for many more years, making solar panel installation in Torreon a smart financial decision that also promotes sustainability.