Overview
This article will show you how installing solar panels on your home in Bridgeport Illinois can help you save money on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data and basic electricity costs, you will see how much you can potentially save over time. We will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take for you to break even, making a compelling case for why you should consider going solar.
Bridgeport Illinois Weather Trends
Bridgeport Precipitation
In the last year, Bridgeport Illinois received 55.02 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 59th percentile in the nation and the 89th percentile in Illinois. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches, it’s clear that Bridgeport experiences above-average rainfall, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
Bridgeport’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.36, Bridgeport Illinois ranks in the 60th percentile nationwide and the 74th percentile in Illinois. In terms of average max UV rating (4.72), Bridgeport is in the 51st percentile nationally and the 67th percentile in Illinois. These numbers indicate that Bridgeport receives ample sunlight, providing great potential for generating solar power.
Bridgeport’s Cloud Cover
Bridgeport Illinois had an average of 44% cloud cover in the last year, aligning it with the national average (44.46%) and slightly above the Illinois average of 44.03%. With a distribution of cloud cover days ranging from 0% to 100%, Bridgeport offers a balance that allows for consistent solar energy production throughout the year.
Bridgeport Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Bridgeport pay around $0.1/kw for electricity, ranking the city in the 13th percentile nationally and the 6th percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw, Bridgeport offers lower electricity costs, making the switch to solar panels a financially beneficial decision in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Bridgeport Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Bridgeport 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:
- Bridgeport Illinois received slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunshine for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Bridgeport Illinois are slightly above the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Bridgeport Illinois is around the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Bridgeport 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 to be purchased from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in Bridgeport Illinois, the savings from solar power are slightly less compared to areas with higher electricity costs.
After calculating the numbers, it seems like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this time, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Considering solar panels can last for up to 30 years, the savings for residents will continue for many years to come. It’s an economical choice that also benefits the environment!
Investing in solar power in Bridgeport Illinois
After analyzing the weather data and electricity costs in Bridgeport Illinois, it is evident that installing solar panels can be a wise financial decision. With above-average rainfall, ample sunlight, and lower electricity costs compared to the national average, Bridgeport is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. Based on the calculations, it would take approximately 6-7 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar panel installation, leading to long-term savings on electricity bills. Not only is going solar a smart economic choice, but it also contributes to environmental sustainability. Therefore, considering all these factors, transitioning to solar power in Bridgeport Illinois is a beneficial and eco-friendly investment.