Overview
Are you tired of watching your electricity bill rise every month? If you live in Thornton Illinois, installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been looking for. With the potential to save thousands of dollars over time, investing in solar power can help you break even on your initial investment sooner than you might think. By taking a closer look at the weather patterns in Thornton and factoring in basic electricity costs, you’ll see just how much money you could be saving by making the switch to solar energy.
Thornton Illinois Weather Trends
Thornton Precipitation
With Thornton receiving an average of 45.16 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below both the national and Illinois averages. This means that the sunny days far outweigh the rainy ones, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. By taking advantage of the abundant sunlight in Thornton, you can maximize the efficiency of your solar panels and save even more on your electricity bill in the long run.
Thornton’s UV Rating
Thornton’s average UV rating of 3.89 places it below the national and Illinois averages. However, with an average max UV rating of 4.15, Thornton still ranks decently in comparison to the rest of the country and the state. These UV ratings indicate that there is sufficient sunlight to power your solar panels effectively, helping you generate even more energy and increase your potential savings.
Thornton’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average of 46% cloud cover, Thornton’s cloudiness still falls within the national and Illinois averages. Additionally, the distribution of cloud cover throughout the year allows for plenty of sunny days to harness solar energy efficiently. By installing solar panels on your home in Thornton, you can take advantage of these sunny days and reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources, ultimately saving you money while benefiting the environment.
Thornton Illinois Electricity Costs
With Thornton residents paying about $0.13/kw for electricity, the cost is relatively consistent with the national average. However, compared to Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw, Thornton’s electricity rates are slightly higher. By making the switch to solar power, you can offset these higher electricity costs and potentially eliminate your monthly bills altogether. Investing in solar panels now will not only save you money in the long term but also reduce your dependence on non-renewable energy sources, helping to create a greener future for Thornton and beyond.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Thornton Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Thornton, 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:
- Thornton, Illinois gets slightly less rain than the national average, which is good for solar panels.
- The UV ratings are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Thornton, Illinois is around the national average, with some variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Thornton, Illinois pay the same rate for electricity as 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.
- With electricity costs at the national average, the savings can be calculated accordingly.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Thornton, Illinois. That means, after 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. With solar panels lasting for 25 to 30 years, the subsequent years will bring even more savings. Investing in solar panels is a smart way to save money in the long term while also contributing to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Thornton Illinois
Based on the weather trends in Thornton, Illinois and the current electricity costs, investing in solar panels can be a beneficial decision for residents looking to save money and reduce their environmental impact. With abundant sunlight, manageable cloud cover, and electricity rates consistent with the national average, Thornton is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. By breaking down the costs and potential savings, it becomes clear that homeowners could expect to break even on their initial investment in solar panels in about 8 years. This means that for the remaining lifespan of the solar panels, which is typically 25 to 30 years, homeowners will continue to save money and reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources. Making the switch to solar power not only benefits individuals financially but also helps create a greener future for Thornton and beyond.