Overview
In Bluford, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings over time. By analyzing a year’s worth of weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can show you how much you can save on your monthly bills by making the switch to solar energy. With detailed breakdowns of the costs of a solar system and estimates on how long it will take for you to break even, this article aims to help you make an informed decision about going solar.
Bluford Illinois Weather Trends
Bluford Precipitation
With 63.44 inches of precipitation in the last year, Bluford ranks in the 77th percentile nationally and the 97th percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches, Bluford receives more rainfall, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
Bluford’s UV Rating
Bluford’s average UV rating of 4.47 places it in the 63rd percentile nationwide and the 81st percentile in Illinois. When we consider the national average of 4.29 and Illinois’s average of 4.21, it’s clear that Bluford enjoys ample sunlight for generating solar power. With an average max UV rating of 4.87, Bluford is well-positioned to maximize solar energy production.
Bluford’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average cloud cover of 42%, Bluford still remains in a favorable position for solar panel installation. Ranking in the 40th percentile nationally and the 32nd percentile in Illinois, Bluford’s cloud cover is lower than both the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%. This means that there are plenty of clear days for efficient solar energy generation.
Bluford Illinois Electricity Costs
Bluford residents benefit from relatively low electricity costs, paying about $0.13/kw. This places Bluford in the 74th percentile nationally and the 65th percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw, it’s evident that Bluford residents can save even more by generating their own electricity through solar panels.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bluford Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bluford 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:
- Bluford Illinois receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Bluford Illinois are slightly higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Bluford Illinois is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Bluford Illinois pay the national average for electricity.
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.
- With the average electricity rates in Bluford Illinois, savings can be substantial.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means, after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, considering the longevity of solar panels, you will continue to enjoy those savings for many years. It’s a smart financial decision that also benefits the environment in the long run!
Investing in solar power in Bluford Illinois
Installing solar panels in Bluford, Illinois can be a smart financial decision that offers significant savings over time. By analyzing the weather trends specific to the area and the electricity costs, it is clear that Bluford is well-suited for solar energy production. With a careful investment in a solar system, residents can expect to break even in about 5-6 years and continue saving on electricity bills for decades to come. Making the switch to solar not only benefits your wallet but also helps the environment in the long run.