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Solar and Electricity Data for Orion, IL: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Orion, IL at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.6/10 5.7/10 7/10 4.8/10 0.5/10
Not Bad 43% daily 3 inches monthly 4.1 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

In Orion Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant cost savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data collected over 365 days, we can see that the area receives ample sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar energy production. With the average electricity cost in Illinois being around 13 cents per kilowatt-hour, a solar system can pay for itself in as little as 6-8 years, depending on the size of the system and your energy consumption. This article will break down the costs involved in installing solar panels and demonstrate how investing in solar energy can benefit both your wallet and the environment.

Orion Illinois Weather Trends

Orion Precipitation

With Orion Illinois receiving 41.28 inches of precipitation last year, it is evident that the area does not face extreme weather conditions compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches. This makes it a suitable location for solar energy production, as the moderate rainfall allows for consistent sunlight to generate electricity.

Orion’s UV Rating

Orion Illinois had an average UV rating of 4.07, indicating that the area experiences moderate sun exposure. While this may not be the highest compared to the national average of 4.29 and Illinois’s average of 4.21, it is still sufficient for effective solar panel performance. With an average max UV rating of 4.42, residents can harness the sun’s energy to power their homes efficiently.

Orion’s Cloud Cover

At an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, Orion Illinois offers a relatively clear sky for solar panels to absorb sunlight. Although this is slightly lower than the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%, the consistent sunshine on 125 days with minimal cloud cover allows for efficient energy production to benefit residents.

Orion Illinois Electricity Costs

Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw, Orion residents pay only $0.1/kw for electricity. This significantly lower cost positions solar energy as a financially beneficial investment in the long run, especially considering that a solar system can pay for itself in as little as 6-8 years. By making the switch to solar power, residents can enjoy both savings on their electricity bills and a reduced carbon footprint.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Orion Illinois?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Orion 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:

  • Orion Illinois gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Orion Illinois are slightly lower than the national average, but still effective for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Orion Illinois is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Orion Illinois pay a bit less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar power savings somewhat lower but still significant.

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:

  • The system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase from the grid.
  • With lower electricity rates in Orion Illinois, the savings may take longer to cover the initial cost.

Based on the data, it may take around 10-15 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Orion Illinois. After that period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to make the investment worthwhile. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, ensuring savings for many years to come. Investing in solar power is a wise choice to save money and contribute to a greener environment!

Investing in solar power in Orion Illinois

Installing solar panels in Orion Illinois is a smart investment that can lead to significant savings on electricity bills over time. Analyzing weather data shows that the area receives ample sunlight, making it ideal for solar energy production. With lower electricity costs compared to the national average, residents can expect to break even on their solar system investment in around 10-15 years. While the initial cost may seem high, the long-term savings and environmental benefits make investing in solar energy a wise decision for both your wallet and the planet.