Overview
In Buncombe, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over a year, we will show you how much you can save on your energy bill and estimate how long it will take for your solar system to pay for itself. With ample sunlight and favorable weather conditions throughout the year, investing in solar energy can be a smart and cost-effective decision for Buncombe residents.
Buncombe Illinois Weather Trends
Buncombe Precipitation
With Buncombe receiving 59.11 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is in the 68th percentile nationwide and the 93rd percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches, Buncombe’s higher precipitation levels offer an advantage for harnessing solar energy.
Buncombe’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.62, Buncombe ranks in the 68th percentile nationally and the 93rd percentile in Illinois. These ratings exceed both the national average of 4.29 and Illinois’s average of 4.21, making Buncombe an ideal location for solar panel installation. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 5.02 in Buncombe further supports the effectiveness of solar energy production.
Buncombe’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 41%, which is below the national average of 44.46%, Buncombe falls in the 34th percentile nationwide and the 21st percentile in Illinois. With a significant number of days featuring low cloud cover percentages, Buncombe offers ample sunlight for efficient solar panel operation throughout the year.
Buncombe Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Buncombe pay around $0.12 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, placing them in the 45th percentile nationally and the 18th percentile in Illinois. This cost is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw and aligns with Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw. By installing solar panels, Buncombe residents can further decrease their electricity expenses and reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Buncombe Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Buncombe 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:
- Buncombe Illinois receives more precipitation than the national average, but still has plenty of sunshine for effective solar panel operation.
- The UV ratings in Buncombe Illinois are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Buncombe Illinois is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Buncombe Illinois pay slightly less 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.
- With slightly lower electricity rates in Buncombe Illinois, the potential savings may be slightly lower compared to other locations.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it may take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Buncombe Illinois. This means that after 6-7 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting 25-30 years, the potential for long-term savings is significant. Investing in solar panels can be a wise financial decision with the added benefit of reducing environmental impact.
Investing in solar power in Buncombe Illinois
Investing in solar panels in Buncombe, Illinois can result in significant financial benefits due to the favorable weather conditions and electricity costs in the area. With ample sunlight, higher UV ratings, and a lower cloud cover percentage, Buncombe is an ideal location for solar energy production. By paying slightly less than the national average for electricity, residents can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 6-7 years. Not only does this provide long-term financial savings, but it also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy source. Consider harnessing the power of solar energy to save money and reduce your carbon footprint in Buncombe, Illinois.