Overview
Living in Mansfield, Illinois, you may be wondering if installing solar panels on your home is a wise financial decision. With the data we have collected on the weather patterns in Mansfield and the basic electricity costs in the area, we can show you how solar panel installation can potentially save you money in the long run. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it will take to break even, we aim to demonstrate the financial benefits of going solar in Mansfield.
Mansfield Illinois Weather Trends
Mansfield Precipitation
Living in Mansfield, Illinois, you may have noticed that the area receives around 42.9 inches of precipitation annually. Compared to the rest of the country, Mansfield falls in the 33rd percentile, while in Illinois, it is in the 40th percentile. This means that Mansfield experiences slightly less precipitation than both the national and state averages. With this moderate level of rainfall, solar panels in Mansfield can efficiently capture sunlight for energy production.
Mansfield’s UV Rating
In terms of UV rating, Mansfield has an average rating of 4.15, positioning it in the 52nd percentile nationally and the 53rd percentile within Illinois. While this rating is slightly lower than the national and state averages, Mansfield still receives a fair amount of UV exposure. The average max UV rating of 4.48 in Mansfield further emphasizes the region’s potential for harnessing solar energy effectively throughout the year.
Mansfield’s Cloud Cover
On average, Mansfield experiences 44% cloud cover, placing it in the 50th percentile nationally and the 49th percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national and state averages, Mansfield’s cloud cover is quite consistent, offering ample sunlight for solar panel operation. With a distribution of cloud cover days, residents can expect a balanced mix of sunny and cloudy days, ensuring continuous solar energy generation.
Mansfield Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Mansfield pay approximately $0.12/kw for electricity, which is below the national average of $0.13/kw. In Illinois, this cost aligns with the state average, making Mansfield an economically viable location for solar panel installation. By utilizing solar power, residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources, ultimately saving money on utility bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mansfield Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mansfield, 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:
- Mansfield gets slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Mansfield are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Mansfield is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Mansfield pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.12/kw.
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 the lower electricity rates in Mansfield, the savings are a bit lower compared to areas with higher rates.
After doing the calculations, it seems that it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Mansfield. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, you will enjoy these savings for many years beyond the break-even point. It’s a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment in the long run!
Investing in solar power in Mansfield Illinois
Considering the weather patterns and electricity costs in Mansfield, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can be a smart financial move. With the moderate level of precipitation, consistent UV exposure, and ample sunlight due to cloud cover, solar panels in Mansfield are efficient in generating energy. Additionally, the below-average electricity costs in the area make solar panel installation even more attractive. Based on our analysis, it would take around 6-7 years to break even on the investment, with long-term savings accumulating thereafter. Not only is going solar a wise financial decision, but it also contributes to a sustainable and eco-friendly lifestyle in the long run.