Overview
In Petersburg, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant cost savings on electricity. By analyzing a year’s worth of weather data, we can show you how the amount of sunlight your home receives can translate to financial benefits through reduced energy bills. With clear breakdowns of the cost of a solar system and estimates on when you can expect to break even, this article will help you make an informed decision on whether switching to solar power is the right choice for you.
Petersburg Illinois Weather Trends
Petersburg Precipitation
With Petersburg, Illinois receiving 28.91 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that the city sees less rain compared to both the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches. These lower precipitation levels in Petersburg can be beneficial for solar panel efficiency, as excess rain can obstruct sunlight absorption.
Petersburg’s UV Rating
Petersburg, Illinois boasts an average UV rating of 2.79, ranking it in the 1st percentile in the nation and the 0th percentile in Illinois. This means Petersburg residents experience lower UV levels compared to both the national average of 4.29 and Illinois’s average of 4.21. Although UV rating is crucial for solar panel energy production, Petersburg’s rating is still sufficient for generating solar power.
Petersburg’s Cloud Cover
Despite Petersburg, Illinois having an average cloud cover of 62%, which is higher than the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%, the city still has a good number of days with lower cloud cover. With 46 days of between 0% and 25% cloud cover, Petersburg offers plenty of sunny days ideal for solar energy production.
Petersburg Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Petersburg, Illinois pay around $0.13/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 67th percentile in the nation and the 54th percentile in Illinois. While the cost is on par with the national average, it is slightly higher than Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw. By switching to solar panels, Petersburg residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills and save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Petersburg Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Petersburg, 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:
- Petersburg, Illinois receives less total precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Petersburg, Illinois are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power effectively.
- Cloud cover in Petersburg, Illinois is higher than the national average, with a significant number of days having higher cloud cover percentages.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Petersburg, Illinois pay the national average for electricity, which is $0.13/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 and saving money on electricity bills.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take approximately 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6-7 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar panels not only helps save money but also contributes to a more sustainable environment.
Investing in solar power in Petersburg Illinois
By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Petersburg, Illinois, it is clear that switching to solar power can lead to significant cost savings in the long run. With lower precipitation levels, sufficient UV ratings, and plenty of sunny days ideal for solar energy production, Petersburg is a good location for solar panels. Residents paying the national average of $0.13/kw for electricity can expect to break even on a standard 10kW solar system in approximately 6-7 years. This investment not only saves money but also contributes to a more sustainable environment, making it a worthwhile choice for Petersburg residents.