Overview
In Ashton, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant long-term financial savings. By analyzing weather data and basic electricity costs specific to Ashton, we can demonstrate how investing in solar energy can help you break even on your initial investment in a reasonable amount of time. With the average amount of sunlight and low cloud cover in Ashton, the potential for generating clean and affordable energy from solar panels is promising. Let’s explore the cost breakdown and financial benefits of switching to solar power in Ashton.
Ashton Illinois Weather Trends
Ashton Precipitation
With Ashton, Illinois receiving 39.67 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the state of Illinois, Ashton’s precipitation levels are also lower than the average of 45.69 inches. This means that Ashton’s drier climate can be beneficial for solar panel efficiency, as less rain can lead to more sunlight available for energy generation.
Ashton’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 3.75 in the last year, Ashton is slightly below the national average of 4.29. In comparison to Illinois, Ashton’s UV rating is lower than the state average of 4.21. However, with an average max UV rating of 4.04, Ashton surpasses the national average of 4.61. These UV ratings indicate that Ashton receives a decent amount of sunlight, making it a suitable location for solar panel installation.
Ashton’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 50% cloud cover in the last year, Ashton experiences more clouds than both the national average of 44.46% and the Illinois average of 44.03%. However, the distribution of cloud cover days in Ashton offers a range of conditions, with 88 days of minimal cloud cover and 97 days of heavy cloud cover. Despite higher cloud cover averages, Ashton still has ample sunlight available for solar energy production.
Ashton Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Ashton, Illinois pay about $0.13 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, slightly higher than the national average. However, compared to the rest of Illinois, Ashton’s electricity costs are in line with the state average of $0.12 per kilowatt-hour. By transitioning to solar power, Ashton residents can reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and lower their overall energy expenses, ultimately saving money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Ashton Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Ashton 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:
- Ashton Illinois receives less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panel installation.
- The UV ratings in Ashton Illinois are slightly lower than the national average, but still conducive for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Ashton Illinois is slightly higher than the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Ashton Illinois pay about the same rate for electricity as 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 and saving money on utility bills.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Ashton Illinois. This means that after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a lifespan of 25-30 years, the savings will continue for many years after the initial investment is recouped. Investing in solar energy can offer long-term financial benefits and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Investing in solar power in Ashton Illinois
Investing in solar energy in Ashton, Illinois can be a smart financial decision. With lower precipitation levels, decent UV ratings, and despite slightly higher cloud cover, Ashton provides a suitable environment for solar panel installation. Additionally, the electricity costs in Ashton are comparable to the state average. By considering the weather data and electricity expenses, it is estimated that residents could break even on their initial solar panel investment in approximately 6-7 years. This means that switching to solar power not only helps save money in the long run but also supports environmental sustainability. With the potential for significant long-term financial savings, transitioning to solar energy in Ashton is a step towards a cleaner and more cost-effective energy future.