Overview
If you are a Des Plaines Illinois resident looking to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home may be the answer. By analyzing weather data over the course of a year, including inches of precipitation, average max UV rating, average UV rating, and percentage cloud cover, we can show you how much you can potentially save by making the switch to solar energy. With the cost of a solar system broken down and an estimation of how long it will take to break even, you can see the financial benefits of going solar in Des Plaines Illinois.
Des Plaines Illinois Weather Trends
Des Plaines Precipitation
With Des Plaines Illinois receiving 46.07 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is important to consider the impact this weather trend can have on your electricity usage. Compared to the rest of the country, Des Plaines falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches, but still remains ahead of the state average of 45.69 inches. By harnessing the power of solar energy, you can reduce your dependence on traditional grid electricity, saving you money in the long run.
Des Plaines’s UV Rating
Des Plaines Illinois boasts an average UV rating of 3.77, indicating moderate exposure to sunlight throughout the year. While this places Des Plaines below the national average of 4.29, it is higher than the state average of 4.21. By utilizing solar panels, you can take advantage of the sunlight available in Des Plaines, reducing your reliance on traditional electricity sources and lowering your monthly bills. Embracing solar energy can help you make a positive environmental impact.
Des Plaines’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 48% cloud cover in the last year, Des Plaines Illinois enjoys clear skies for a significant portion of the time. Despite ranking above the national average of 44.46%, Des Plaines falls even higher than the state average of 44.03%. By installing solar panels on your home, you can capitalize on the sunny days in Des Plaines, maximizing your energy production and decreasing your carbon footprint. Embracing solar energy can lead to long-term financial savings and environmental benefits.
Des Plaines Illinois Electricity Costs
Des Plaines Illinois residents pay around $0.13/kw for electricity, which is slightly above the national average. However, this cost is still lower than the state average of $0.12/kw. By making the switch to solar energy, you can take control of your electricity expenses and reduce your reliance on the grid. With the potential for savings and a cleaner energy source, investing in solar panels for your home in Des Plaines is a smart financial and environmental decision.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Des Plaines Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Des Plaines, 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:
- Des Plaines receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Des Plaines are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Des Plaines is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Des Plaines pay the national average for electricity, which is $0.13/kw.
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 we don’t need to buy as much from the grid.
- With Des Plaines’ electricity rates, the savings are steady over the years.
After doing the calculations, it looks like it would take around 4-5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that, after 4-5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. Remember, solar panels last for a long time, so after that initial period, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years to come. It’s a smart way to save money and help the environment at the same time!
Investing in solar power in Des Plaines Illinois
Installing solar panels in Des Plaines Illinois can be a wise financial and environmental decision. By harnessing the power of the sun and reducing your reliance on traditional grid electricity, you can save money on your electricity bills in the long run. With slightly lower precipitation rates and higher UV exposure compared to national and state averages, Des Plaines is a suitable location for solar energy production. Despite slightly higher cloud cover, clear skies still prevail, providing ample opportunities for energy generation. By investing in solar panels, you can expect to break even on your initial costs within 4-5 years, after which you can enjoy long-term savings and a cleaner energy source. Embracing solar energy in Des Plaines Illinois is a smart and sustainable choice for residents looking to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.