Overview
In Vernon, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over 365 days, we can estimate how quickly you can break even on your investment. With the average amount of precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, we will show you how much you can save on your electricity bill each month. Let’s break down the costs of a solar system and calculate your potential savings to help you make an informed decision.
Vernon Illinois Weather Trends
Vernon Precipitation
In the last year, Vernon Illinois received 51.46 inches of precipitation, which is slightly above the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the rest of Illinois, Vernon is experiencing more precipitation, ranking in the 82nd percentile in the state. With sufficient rainfall, solar panels in Vernon can efficiently generate energy throughout the year, making it a viable investment.
Vernon’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.44, Vernon Illinois ranks above the national average of 4.29. The higher UV rating means more sunlight reaching the solar panels, translating to increased energy production. When compared to the rest of Illinois, Vernon is ahead in terms of UV rating, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy effectively.
Vernon’s Cloud Cover
Having an average cloud cover of 41%, Vernon Illinois enjoys sunny days for a significant portion of the year. With 134 days of minimal cloud cover, residents can maximize solar energy generation. Compared to the national average of 44.46%, Vernon experiences slightly less cloud cover, making it a promising location for solar panel installations.
Vernon Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents in Vernon pay about $0.12 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is on par with the state average. However, when compared to the national average of $0.13 per kilowatt-hour, Vernon residents are already saving on their electricity bills. By investing in solar panels, residents can further reduce their energy costs and increase savings over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Vernon Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Vernon, 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:
- Vernon gets slightly more rain than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Vernon are slightly above the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Vernon is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Vernon residents 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 Vernon’s lower electricity rates, there are still significant savings to be made.
After analyzing the numbers, it seems like it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. After this period, 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 to come. This makes investing in solar energy a wise and sustainable choice for both your finances and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Vernon Illinois
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Vernon, Illinois, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term financial benefits. With above-average precipitation, UV ratings, and below-average cloud cover, Vernon is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy effectively. Residents already pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making the transition to solar power even more attractive. Based on the data, it is estimated that homeowners in Vernon could break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 5-6 years, after which significant savings on electricity bills will start accumulating. This investment not only makes financial sense but also contributes to a sustainable future for both your finances and the environment.