Overview
Are you tired of high electricity bills and looking for a way to save money while also helping the environment? In this article, we will explore the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in Arlington, Illinois. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will show you how much money you can save over time and estimate how long it will take for your solar system to pay for itself. Let’s dive into the numbers and see how going solar could be a smart investment for your home.
Arlington Illinois Weather Trends
Arlington Precipitation
With 40.15 inches of precipitation in the last year, Arlington Illinois is below the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the rest of Illinois, Arlington is also below the state average of 45.69 inches. By receiving less precipitation, your solar panels will be able to function efficiently and consistently, maximizing your energy savings.
Arlington’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.83, Arlington Illinois is slightly below the national average of 4.29. In comparison to the rest of Illinois, Arlington is also below the state average of 4.21. This means that your solar panels will receive a sufficient amount of sunlight to generate energy, helping you save more on your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Arlington’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 49% cloud cover in the last year, Arlington Illinois is above the national average of 44.46%. Compared to the rest of Illinois, Arlington is also above the state average of 44.03%. Despite some cloud cover, Arlington still has a significant number of sunny days, allowing your solar panels to harness solar energy effectively throughout the year.
Arlington Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Arlington Illinois pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, which is on par with the state average. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw, Arlington residents enjoy slightly lower electricity costs. By investing in solar panels, you can further reduce your electricity expenses and hedge against rising energy prices in the future.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Arlington Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Arlington 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:
- Even though Arlington Illinois gets slightly less rain than the national average, it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Arlington Illinois are lower than the national average, but they are still adequate for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Arlington Illinois is slightly higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Arlington 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, which means less need to purchase from the grid.
- Even with Arlington Illinois’ lower electricity rates, the savings can still be significant.
After analyzing the data, it seems that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Arlington Illinois. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar energy is not only cost-effective but also beneficial for the environment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Arlington Illinois
Ultimately, investing in solar panels in Arlington, Illinois can be a smart financial decision. By taking advantage of the sufficient sunshine despite some cloud cover, residents can save money on electricity bills and help reduce their carbon footprint. With electricity costs on par with the state average, the initial investment in solar panels can be recouped in approximately 6 years, after which the savings will continue for many more years. Overall, going solar in Arlington, Illinois is not only a wise financial choice but also a step towards a more sustainable future.