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

Truchas, NM at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
6.8/10 9.6/10 9.7/10 5/10 9.5/10
Pretty Good 25% daily 1 inches monthly 4.1 on average 0.16/kw

Overview

Are you a Truchas New Mexico resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a wise investment. By analyzing weather data specific to Truchas, such as inches of precipitation, average UV rating, and percentage cloud cover, we can estimate the financial benefits of switching to solar energy. With the cost breakdown of a solar system and the estimated time it takes to break even, you’ll see how going solar can ultimately save you money in the long run.

Truchas New Mexico Weather Trends

Truchas Precipitation

With Truchas receiving 15.49 inches of precipitation in the last year, which is in the 67th percentile in New Mexico, you may think that it’s not an ideal location for solar energy. However, compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Truchas actually has less rainfall. This means that solar panels in Truchas can still perform efficiently and effectively, providing you with significant energy savings over time.

Truchas’s UV Rating

Truchas has an average UV rating of 4.1, putting it in the 16th percentile in New Mexico. While this may seem average, when compared to the national average of 4.29, Truchas actually receives a decent amount of sunlight. With a maximum UV rating of 4.44 in the last year, which is in the 18th percentile in New Mexico, Truchas has ample sunlight to generate solar power. This means that installing solar panels in Truchas can help you harness this abundant renewable energy source to save on electricity costs.

Truchas’s Cloud Cover

Truchas has an average cloud cover of 25%, which is in the 81st percentile in New Mexico. While this may seem like a significant amount of cloud cover, it’s actually lower than the national average of 44.46%. Additionally, in the last year, Truchas had 223 days with clear to partly cloudy skies, making it an ideal location for solar energy generation. With less cloud cover than many other places, Truchas is well-suited for solar panels to maximize energy production.

Truchas New Mexico Electricity Costs

Residents in Truchas pay about $0.16/kw for electricity, which is higher than the national average of $0.13/kw. However, when compared to New Mexico’s average of $0.15/kw, Truchas residents are paying slightly more. By switching to solar energy, you can take control of your electricity costs and reduce your reliance on the grid. With the abundance of sunlight in Truchas, investing in solar panels can help you save money on your energy bills in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Truchas, 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:

  • Truchas receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Truchas are slightly below the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power effectively.
  • Cloud cover in Truchas is lower than the national average, with a good number of sunny days throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Truchas pay a bit 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 and leading to savings.
  • With Truchas’ higher electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are even more significant.

After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Truchas, New Mexico. This means that after that time, the money saved on electricity bills will start to make up for the investment. And remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so 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 Truchas New Mexico

By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Truchas, New Mexico, it is evident that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings. Despite receiving less precipitation than the national average, Truchas has sufficient sunlight and lower cloud cover, ideal for generating solar power. Residents paying slightly more for electricity can take control of their energy costs by installing solar panels. With an estimated break-even point of 7-8 years, switching to solar energy not only saves money but also benefits the environment. Making the switch to solar in Truchas can be a wise financial decision that pays off over time.