Overview
Are you a Macomb Illinois resident looking to save money on your electricity bills while also helping the environment? Installing solar panels on your home may be the perfect solution for you. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of investing in a solar system in Macomb based on weather data and electricity costs specific to the area. By analyzing the cost of a solar system and estimating the break-even point, we will show you how going solar can lead to long-term savings for you and your family.
Macomb Illinois Weather Trends
Macomb Precipitation
With Macomb Illinois receiving 44 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls in the 36th percentile in the nation and the 51st percentile in Illinois. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Illinois’s average is 45.69 inches. Despite being slightly lower than the national and state averages, Macomb still gets a significant amount of precipitation, making it a viable location for harnessing solar energy.
Macomb’s UV Rating
Macomb Illinois had an average UV rating of 4.25 in the last year, placing it in the 56th percentile in the nation and the 63rd percentile in Illinois. When looking at the average max UV rating of 4.62, Macomb falls in the 48th percentile nationwide and the 59th percentile in Illinois. These ratings indicate that Macomb receives a sufficient amount of sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation in comparison to both the national and state averages.
Macomb’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Macomb Illinois had an average of 41% cloud cover, placing it in the 35th percentile in the nation and the 24th percentile in Illinois. Comparatively, the national average for average cloud cover is 44.46%, while Illinois’s average is 44.03%. With a significant number of days experiencing low to moderate cloud cover, Macomb offers favorable conditions for solar energy production compared to other areas.
Macomb Illinois Electricity Costs
Macomb Illinois residents pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 6th percentile in the nation and the 4th percentile in Illinois. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity stands at $0.13/kw, with Illinois’s average at $0.12/kw. With lower than average electricity costs in Macomb, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial savings in the long run, making it a financially prudent decision for residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Macomb Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Macomb, 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:
- Macomb receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Macomb are very close to the national average, which is ideal for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Macomb is slightly lower than the national average, with some variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Macomb pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar power an even more attractive investment.
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, helping to reduce the amount purchased from the grid.
- With Macomb’s lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power are significant.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Macomb. This means that after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is a smart financial decision that also contributes to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Macomb Illinois
Investing in solar panels in Macomb, Illinois can be a great way to save money on electricity bills while also benefiting the environment. With data showing that Macomb receives a sufficient amount of sunlight and has lower than average electricity costs, installing a solar system could lead to significant long-term savings. By analyzing the cost of a solar system and estimating the break-even point, it is clear that going solar in Macomb is a smart financial decision that can have positive impacts for years to come.