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

Ruidoso Downs, NM at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
6.8/10 9.7/10 9.2/10 5.5/10 9.5/10
Pretty Good 23% daily 2 inches monthly 4.2 on average 0.17/kw

Overview

Thinking about making the switch to solar energy in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico? In this article, we will discuss the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home. By analyzing weather data specific to Ruidoso Downs, along with basic electricity costs, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even. With the potential for significant savings on your electricity bills, now is the perfect time to consider making the switch to solar.

Ruidoso Downs New Mexico Weather Trends

Ruidoso Downs Precipitation

With Ruidoso Downs receiving 24.13 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s evident that the area sees drier conditions compared to both the national average of 50.61 inches and New Mexico’s average of 13.78 inches. By harnessing solar energy, you can take advantage of the abundant sunshine in Ruidoso Downs to power your home and reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources.

Ruidoso Downs’s UV Rating

Considering Ruidoso Downs’s average UV rating of 4.22, which is slightly lower than the national average of 4.29 and New Mexico’s average of 4.67, it’s clear that the area experiences moderate sun exposure. By installing solar panels on your home, you can capture this sunlight to generate clean, renewable energy while contributing to a greener environment for future generations to enjoy.

Ruidoso Downs’s Cloud Cover

With an average cloud cover of 23% in Ruidoso Downs, significantly lower than the national average of 44.46% and New Mexico’s average of 22.75%, the area enjoys plenty of sunny days perfect for solar power generation. By transitioning to solar energy, you can take advantage of these clear skies to offset your electricity costs and decrease your carbon footprint.

Ruidoso Downs New Mexico Electricity Costs

Residents of Ruidoso Downs pay about $0.17/kw for electricity, higher than both the national average of $0.13/kw and New Mexico’s average of $0.15/kw. By investing in solar panels for your home, you can significantly reduce your monthly electricity bills and potentially even generate excess energy to sell back to the grid, making the switch to solar a financially savvy choice in the long run.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Ruidoso Downs, 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:

  • Ruidoso Downs receives less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Ruidoso Downs are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Ruidoso Downs is much lower than the national average, with many days having clear skies for solar panels to work effectively.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Ruidoso Downs pay more for electricity compared to the national average, which makes solar power a more cost-effective option.

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 higher electricity costs in Ruidoso Downs.

After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8 to 10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 8 to 10 years, the money you save on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And don’t forget, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment simultaneously!

Investing in solar power in Ruidoso Downs New Mexico

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Ruidoso Downs, New Mexico, it’s clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term financial benefits. With lower precipitation, moderate UV ratings, and clear skies, solar energy is a viable option for generating electricity in this area. Additionally, with higher electricity costs than the national average, making the switch to solar can result in substantial savings on monthly bills. It’s estimated that it would take approximately 8 to 10 years to break even on the initial investment of a solar system, after which the savings will continue to accumulate for years to come. In conclusion, transitioning to solar power in Ruidoso Downs is not only a financially savvy choice but also a step towards a greener and more sustainable future.