Overview
Are you a Decatur resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been seeking! By analyzing weather data specific to Decatur, Illinois, we can show you the financial benefits of investing in solar energy. Our research includes average precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover over the course of a year, as well as basic electricity costs in the area. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the time it would take to break even, we aim to demonstrate how solar power can be a wise investment for your home.
Decatur Illinois Weather Trends
Decatur Precipitation
With 44.09 inches of precipitation in the last year, Decatur Illinois falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches, but exceeds the Illinois average of 45.69 inches. While Decatur ranks in the 52nd percentile in Illinois, it ranks in the 36th percentile in the nation for total precipitation. Installing solar panels in Decatur could harness the power of rain to generate clean energy for your home.
Decatur’s UV Rating
Decatur Illinois boasts an average UV rating of 4.17, placing it close to the national average of 4.29. Compared to Illinois’s average of 4.21, Decatur sits comfortably at the 55th percentile. Additionally, with an average max UV rating of 4.53, Decatur is in the 53rd percentile in Illinois and the 46th percentile nationwide. Harnessing the power of solar energy in Decatur is a great way to make use of the ample sunlight that the city receives.
Decatur’s Cloud Cover
At an average cloud cover of 44%, Decatur Illinois matches the national average of 44.46% and slightly surpasses Illinois’s average of 44.03%. With a good balance of sunny and partially cloudy days, Decatur residents can rely on solar panels to generate electricity consistently throughout the year. The variety of cloud cover days in Decatur offers a great opportunity to benefit from solar power.
Decatur Illinois Electricity Costs
Decatur Illinois residents pay $0.13/kw for electricity, placing it in the 75th percentile in the state and the 78th percentile in the nation. The national average for residential electricity costs is also $0.13/kw, putting Decatur right on target. With Illinois’s average at $0.12/kw, Decatur residents have the chance to save money and reduce their carbon footprint by investing in solar energy for their homes.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Decatur Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Decatur, 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:
- Decatur receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Decatur are slightly below the national average but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Decatur is about average for the country, with different levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Decatur pay about the same for electricity compared to the national average.
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.
- Considering Decatur’s electricity rates, the savings are significant.
After analyzing the numbers, it seems that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. Therefore, after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the payback period. It’s a wise financial decision that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Decatur Illinois
After conducting a thorough analysis of Decatur’s weather patterns, electricity costs, and the potential savings from investing in solar energy, it is clear that installing solar panels in Decatur, Illinois can be a smart financial move. With slightly lower than average precipitation, suitable UV ratings, and average cloud cover, Decatur offers favorable conditions for solar energy production. Additionally, the electricity costs in Decatur are on par with the national average, providing an opportunity for residents to save money and reduce their environmental impact. By breaking down the costs and estimating the time it would take to break even on a solar installation, we have shown that investing in solar power in Decatur can lead to significant long-term savings. It’s not only a wise financial decision but also a sustainable choice for the future of your home!