Overview
Are you a Westchester resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home can help you do just that! In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of installing a solar system in Westchester, Illinois. By analyzing weather data and basic electricity costs, we will show you how much you can save over time and estimate how long it will take to break even on your investment. Let’s dive in and see how solar power can benefit you financially!
Westchester Illinois Weather Trends
Westchester Precipitation
With 43.38 inches of precipitation in the last year, Westchester Illinois falls below the national average of 50.61 inches but is slightly above the state average of 45.69 inches. Despite receiving less precipitation compared to the rest of the country, Westchester still has enough sunlight to generate significant solar power savings.
Westchester’s UV Rating
Westchester Illinois boasts an average UV rating of 3.84, which is lower than the national average of 4.29 but higher than the state average of 4.21. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 4.05, Westchester is ahead of the national average of 4.61. Despite moderate UV ratings, Westchester still receives ample sunlight for harnessing solar energy.
Westchester’s Cloud Cover
Despite an average cloud cover of 47%, Westchester Illinois ranks above both the national and state averages. With multiple days of varying cloud cover levels, Westchester still experiences sufficient sunlight to make solar panel installation a viable option for residents looking to save on their electricity bills.
Westchester Illinois Electricity Costs
At $0.13/kw for electricity, Westchester Illinois residents pay slightly more than the national average but surpass the state average. With solar panel installation, residents can offset these costs and reap long-term financial benefits by generating their electricity from a clean and renewable source.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Westchester Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Westchester Illinois, 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:
- Westchester Illinois gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Westchester Illinois are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power effectively.
- Cloud cover in Westchester Illinois is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Westchester Illinois pay the national average price for electricity, which is favorable for a return on investment with solar panels.
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, providing long-term savings on electricity bills.
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 subsequently lowering electricity costs.
- With Westchester Illinois’ average electricity rates, the savings from solar power usage contribute to the return on investment.
Based on the cost breakdown and electricity savings, it is estimated that it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Westchester Illinois. After that period, the continued savings on electricity bills will contribute to financial benefits for many more years. Investing in solar panels not only saves money in the long run but also supports sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Investing in solar power in Westchester Illinois
With the combination of favorable weather conditions and electricity costs in Westchester, Illinois, installing solar panels can result in significant long-term financial benefits for residents. By analyzing the weather trends, UV ratings, cloud cover, and electricity costs in the area, we can estimate that it would take approximately 5-6 years to break even on the initial investment of a solar system. Beyond that, residents can enjoy continued savings on their electricity bills for many more years, all while contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Investing in solar power not only helps save money but also supports a greener future for Westchester residents.