Overview
Considering the financial benefits of investing in solar panels for your home in Ruidoso, New Mexico is a smart decision. With abundant sunlight and minimal cloud cover, you can expect significant savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we can estimate the cost of a solar system and the time it will take to break even on your investment. Let’s explore how going solar can benefit both your wallet and the environment.
Ruidoso New Mexico Weather Trends
Ruidoso Precipitation
With an annual precipitation of 24.13 inches, Ruidoso falls in the 8th percentile in the nation and the 91st percentile in New Mexico. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and New Mexico’s average of 13.78 inches, it’s evident that Ruidoso’s lower precipitation levels make it an ideal location for solar energy.
Ruidoso’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 4.22 places Ruidoso in the 55th percentile nationwide and the 27th percentile within New Mexico. Compare this to the national average of 4.29 and New Mexico’s average of 4.67, showcasing Ruidoso’s consistently sunny conditions. With an average max UV rating of 4.52, Ruidoso proves to be a prime spot for harnessing solar energy efficiently.
Ruidoso’s Cloud Cover
At an average of 23% cloud cover, Ruidoso ranks in the 3rd percentile nationwide and the 70th percentile in New Mexico. Contrast this to the national average of 44.46% and New Mexico’s average of 22.75%, demonstrating Ruidoso’s clear skies for optimal solar panel performance. With numerous days showcasing minimal cloud cover percentages, solar energy production is more reliable in Ruidoso.
Ruidoso New Mexico Electricity Costs
Residents in Ruidoso pay around $0.17 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 95th percentile nationally and the 82nd percentile within New Mexico. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while New Mexico’s average stands at $0.15/kw. Ruidoso’s slightly higher electricity costs emphasize the potential savings and benefits of switching to solar power in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Ruidoso New Mexico?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Ruidoso 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 New Mexico receives less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Ruidoso are slightly below the national average, but still conducive for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Ruidoso is lower than the national average, with a good amount of sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents of Ruidoso 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 solar system will generate electricity, reducing the amount needed to be purchased from the grid.
- Given the higher electricity costs in Ruidoso, the savings from using solar power will be significant.
Based on the data provided, it is estimated that it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Since solar panels have a lifespan of up to 30 years, the savings accumulated after the initial payback period will continue to be beneficial for many years to come. Investing in solar power is not only a smart financial decision but also an environmentally friendly choice.
Investing in solar power in Ruidoso New Mexico
Investing in solar panels in Ruidoso, New Mexico is a wise choice considering the abundant sunlight and minimal cloud cover in the area. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, it is evident that going solar can lead to significant savings on electricity bills. Based on the calculations, it is estimated that it would take approximately 5-6 years to break even on the investment, after which the savings would continue for many years. Therefore, not only is investing in solar power beneficial for your wallet, but it is also an environmentally friendly decision that can provide long-term advantages.