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

El Rito, NM at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
7.1/10 9.7/10 9.8/10 6.3/10 9.5/10
Excellent 23% daily 1 inches monthly 4.4 on average 0.16/kw

Overview

Solar panels are a smart investment for El Rito New Mexico residents looking to save money on electricity bills. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, it becomes clear that installing a solar system can lead to substantial financial benefits over time. With the right information, homeowners can make an informed decision about whether solar panels are the right choice for their property.

El Rito New Mexico Weather Trends

El Rito Precipitation

With only 11.92 inches of precipitation in the last year, El Rito is in the 2nd percentile in the nation and the 47th percentile in New Mexico. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and New Mexico’s average of 13.78 inches, El Rito’s low precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar panels.

El Rito’s UV Rating

El Rito had an average UV rating of 4.44 in the last year, ranking it in the 63rd percentile in the nation and the 44th percentile in New Mexico. With an average max UV rating of 4.95, El Rito is in the 55th percentile nationally and the 48th percentile in New Mexico. These UV ratings make El Rito a prime location for harnessing solar energy.

El Rito’s Cloud Cover

El Rito had an average cloud cover of 23% in the last year, placing it in the 3rd percentile in the nation and the 72nd percentile in New Mexico. With a lower average cloud cover compared to the national average of 44.46% and New Mexico’s average of 22.75%, El Rito experiences optimal conditions for solar panel efficiency.

El Rito New Mexico Electricity Costs

Residents of El Rito pay about $0.16/kw for electricity, which places them in the 95th percentile in the nation and the 78th percentile in New Mexico. With a national average of $0.13/kw and New Mexico’s average of $0.15/kw, El Rito residents stand to benefit financially from installing solar panels to offset high electricity costs.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in El Rito 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:

  • El Rito New Mexico gets significantly less rain compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in El Rito New Mexico are higher than the national average, providing ample sunlight for effective solar power generation.
  • Cloud cover in El Rito New Mexico is lower than the national average, with only 23% on average throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in El Rito New Mexico pay slightly 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, especially with El Rito New Mexico’s electricity costs.

After running the numbers, it appears that it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels when factoring in the higher cost of electricity in El Rito New Mexico. Once this initial payback period is over, you can enjoy the savings on your electricity bills for the remaining lifespan of the solar panels, which is between 25 and 30 years. It’s a wise investment that can benefit both your finances and the environment in the long run!

Investing in solar power in El Rito New Mexico

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in El Rito New Mexico, it is evident that investing in solar panels can lead to substantial financial benefits for residents. With low precipitation levels, high UV ratings, and minimal cloud cover, El Rito provides an ideal environment for harnessing solar energy. Additionally, residents paying higher than average electricity costs stand to gain the most from installing solar panels. By breaking down the costs and expected savings, it is estimated that homeowners could recoup their initial investment in solar panels within 5-6 years, ultimately enjoying long-term savings and environmental benefits for the remaining lifespan of the panels. Making an informed decision about solar panel installation can lead to a smart investment choice for El Rito New Mexico residents.