Overview
In Freeport, Illinois, residents can save money by installing solar panels on their homes. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over a year, it is clear that solar panels can significantly lower monthly electricity bills. This article will detail the financial benefits of installing a solar system in Freeport, including the cost breakdown and estimated time to break even.
Freeport Illinois Weather Trends
Freeport Precipitation
In the last year, Freeport Illinois received 40.89 inches of precipitation, ranking the city in the 29th percentile in the nation and the 23rd percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Freeport experiences slightly less precipitation. With Illinois averaging 45.69 inches, Freeport’s precipitation levels are relatively close to the state average.
Freeport’s UV Rating
Over the last year, Freeport Illinois had an average UV rating of 3.8, placing the city in the 36th percentile nationally and the 12th percentile in Illinois. While Freeport’s UV rating is slightly lower compared to the national average of 4.29, it is still relatively close. Similarly, Illinois’s average UV rating of 4.21 is slightly higher than Freeport’s average rating.
Freeport’s Cloud Cover
On average, Freeport Illinois had a 46% cloud cover in the last year, ranking the city in the 60th percentile in the nation and the 77th percentile in Illinois. Freeport’s cloud cover percentage is slightly higher than the national average of 44.46%. Illinois’s average cloud cover of 44.03% is also slightly lower than Freeport’s average. With varying degrees of cloud cover throughout the year, Freeport has a good mix of sunny and cloudy days.
Freeport Illinois Electricity Costs
Freeport Illinois residents pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, putting the city in the 77th percentile nationally and the 71st percentile in Illinois. While the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, Illinois averages $0.12/kw. By installing solar panels, Freeport residents can take advantage of these relatively low electricity costs, leading to significant long-term savings.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Freeport Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Freeport, 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:
- Freeport gets slightly less rainfall than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Freeport are also slightly below the national average, but still conducive for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Freeport is close to the national average, with some variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Freeport pay the national average for electricity, making it a good place to consider solar energy as an alternative.
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 benefits.
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:
- By generating electricity with solar panels, residents can reduce their reliance on grid power, leading to cost savings.
- With average electricity rates in Freeport, the savings from solar energy will gradually offset the initial investment over time.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8-9 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-9 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, there will be significant long-term savings and environmental benefits to enjoy. Investing in solar energy is a smart and sustainable choice for Freeport residents!
Investing in solar power in Freeport Illinois
Installing solar panels in Freeport, Illinois can lead to substantial long-term savings for residents. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in the area, it is evident that utilizing solar energy is a financially beneficial decision. With the initial cost being recouped in around 8-9 years, the investment in solar panels not only saves money but also provides environmental benefits. Therefore, opting for solar power is a wise and sustainable choice for Freeport residents looking to reduce their monthly electricity expenses.