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

Harrisburg, IL at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4.1/10 6.7/10 2.9/10 6.6/10 4.5/10
Not Bad 41% daily 5 inches monthly 4.5 on average 0.12/kw

Overview

In Harrisburg Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data such as average UV rating, precipitation levels, and cloud cover, along with basic electricity costs, we will show you how a solar system can save you money in the long run. We will break down the cost of installation and estimate how quickly you could break even on your investment, making the switch to solar a smart financial decision for Harrisburg residents.

Harrisburg Illinois Weather Trends

Harrisburg Precipitation

In the last year, Harrisburg Illinois received 60.64 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 71st percentile in the nation and the 96th percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches, Harrisburg experiences higher levels of precipitation. By harnessing the power of solar panels, you can take advantage of this abundant resource to generate clean and sustainable electricity for your home.

Harrisburg’s UV Rating

In the last year, Harrisburg Illinois had an average UV rating of 4.55, positioning it in the 66th percentile in the nation and the 88th percentile in Illinois. With national and state averages of 4.29 and 4.21, respectively, Harrisburg enjoys higher levels of UV exposure. This means that solar panels installed on your home will be more efficient in converting sunlight into electricity, helping you save on your energy bills while reducing your carbon footprint.

Harrisburg’s Cloud Cover

In the last year, Harrisburg Illinois had an average of 41% cloud cover, placing it in the 33rd percentile in the nation and the 19th percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%, Harrisburg experiences less cloud cover, providing ample sunlight for solar energy production. By installing solar panels on your home, you can make the most of these clear skies and maximize your savings on electricity costs.

Harrisburg Illinois Electricity Costs

Harrisburg Illinois residents pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 45th percentile in the nation and the 18th percentile in Illinois. While the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, Illinois’s average matches that of Harrisburg. By investing in solar panels, you can reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources, lock in lower electricity rates, and protect yourself from future price hikes in the utility market.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harrisburg 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:

  • Harrisburg gets more precipitation than the national average, which can affect solar panel efficiency.
  • The UV ratings in Harrisburg are slightly higher than the national average, making it a good location for solar power generation.
  • Cloud cover in Harrisburg is slightly lower than the national average, providing more sunlight for solar panels.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Harrisburg pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is beneficial for solar panel cost savings.

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 to be bought from the grid.
  • With Harrisburg’s lower electricity rates, the savings accumulate over time.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Plus, with solar panels lasting between 25 and 30 years, there will be substantial savings for many years after the initial investment is recovered. Installing solar panels is a wise choice to save money and promote environmental sustainability!

Investing in solar power in Harrisburg Illinois

Installing solar panels in Harrisburg, Illinois is a financially sound decision for residents. By taking advantage of the city’s higher levels of precipitation, UV rating, and lower cloud cover, solar panels can efficiently generate electricity for your home. With electricity costs slightly lower than the national average, investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings over time. After calculating the costs and savings, it is clear that it would take approximately 6 years to break even on the initial investment. Not only will you save money in the long run, but you will also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing your carbon footprint. Making the switch to solar panels in Harrisburg is a smart financial and ecological choice!