Overview
Imagine reducing your electricity bills while also helping the environment by harnessing the power of the sun. In Rankin, Illinois, where the weather data shows an abundance of sunshine throughout the year, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant savings on your energy costs. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, this article will show you how going solar is not only environmentally friendly but also a smart financial investment for residents in Rankin.
Rankin Illinois Weather Trends
Rankin Precipitation
With Rankin, Illinois receiving 39.64 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches and the Illinois average of 45.69 inches. Despite being in the 27th percentile nationally, the 15th percentile in the state makes Rankin a relatively dry area, which is ideal for solar panel efficiency.
Rankin’s UV Rating
Rankin Illinois boasts an average UV rating of 4.08, ranking it in the 49th percentile nationally and the 46th percentile within Illinois. While this falls slightly below the national and state averages, the potential for solar energy generation remains high due to consistent sunlight. With an average max UV rating of 4.38, Rankin residents can make the most of solar panels all year round.
Rankin’s Cloud Cover
Rankin Illinois experiences an average cloud cover of 44%, placing it in the 49th percentile nationally and the 48th percentile in Illinois. This means that there are plenty of clear days for solar panels to harness sunlight efficiently. Additionally, the distribution of cloud cover throughout the year ensures consistent energy production.
Rankin Illinois Electricity Costs
Rankin residents pay approximately $0.12/kw for electricity, which is below the national average of $0.13/kw. Despite being in the 54th percentile nationally, Rankin is in the 28th percentile in Illinois for electricity costs. By investing in solar panels, residents can significantly reduce their energy bills and take advantage of the abundant sunshine in the area.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Rankin Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Rankin 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:
- Rankin Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Rankin Illinois are slightly lower than the national average, but still conducive for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Rankin Illinois is around average for the country, varying throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Rankin Illinois pay slightly less 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 need to buy as much from the grid.
- With Rankin Illinois’s lower electricity rates, the savings might take a bit longer to accumulate compared to other places with higher rates.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate 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 more years to come. It’s a wise way to save money and contribute positively to the environment!
Investing in solar power in Rankin Illinois
In Rankin, Illinois, harnessing the power of the sun through solar panels can lead to significant savings on electricity bills while also being environmentally friendly. The weather data for Rankin shows that it has the ideal conditions for efficient solar panel performance due to lower precipitation, ample sunlight, and average cloud cover. With residents paying below the national average for electricity, investing in solar panels can result in breaking even on the initial cost in 8-10 years. This smart financial decision not only saves money in the long run but also positively impacts the environment by reducing reliance on traditional energy sources. Making the switch to solar energy in Rankin is a win-win situation for both residents and the planet.