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

West Union, IL at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.5/10 5/10 5.8/10 5.4/10 1.3/10
Not Bad 44% daily 4 inches monthly 4.2 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Are you a West Union Illinois resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home might be the perfect solution for you. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to West Union, we can show you how much you could save by switching to solar power. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you can see the financial benefits of going solar in your area.

West Union Illinois Weather Trends

West Union Precipitation

With West Union Illinois receiving 46.95 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the rest of Illinois, West Union is actually above average in terms of total precipitation. This means that West Union residents can benefit from the ample rainfall to help generate electricity through solar panels, leading to potential cost savings and environmental benefits.

West Union’s UV Rating

West Union Illinois had an average UV rating of 4.21, which is very close to both the national and state averages. This indicates that West Union receives a moderate amount of ultraviolet radiation, making it a suitable location for solar panel installation. With a decent UV rating, residents can expect their solar panels to efficiently convert sunlight into electricity, resulting in long-term financial savings and reduced carbon emissions.

West Union’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 44% cloud cover in the last year, West Union Illinois experiences a moderate amount of cloudy days. However, the distribution of cloud cover days across various percentages offers a balanced climate for solar energy production. By maximizing sunny days for solar panel output, residents can offset their electricity costs and contribute to a cleaner environment.

West Union Illinois Electricity Costs

West Union residents pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, which is lower than both the national and state averages. This means that by investing in solar panels, residents can potentially save even more on their electricity bills in the long run. With lower electricity costs compared to other areas, going solar in West Union can be a smart financial decision that also benefits the planet.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in West Union 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:

  • West Union Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings are slightly below the national average, but still good for generating solar power efficiently.
  • Cloud cover in West Union Illinois is close to the national average, with fluctuations throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in West Union Illinois pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which affects the savings potential of solar panels positively.

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 purchase electricity from the grid.
  • With the lower electricity rates in West Union Illinois, the savings are substantial.

After analyzing the numbers, it seems that it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in West Union Illinois. This means that after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, considering the long lifespan of solar panels, you will continue to enjoy savings for many years beyond the initial payback period. Investing in solar panels is a wise way to save money and contribute positively to the environment.

Investing in solar power in West Union Illinois

With lower electricity costs, favorable weather conditions, and the potential to break even on your investment within 4-5 years, transitioning to solar power in West Union Illinois is a financially sound decision. By harnessing the power of the sun, residents can not only save money on their electricity bills but also reduce their carbon footprint. With ample rainfall, moderate UV ratings, and balanced cloud cover, West Union provides an ideal environment for solar energy production. Make the switch to solar panels and start enjoying the benefits of renewable energy today!