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Solar and Electricity Data for Dow, IL: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Dow, IL at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
4/10 6.9/10 6.2/10 6.2/10 0.6/10
Not Bad 41% daily 4 inches monthly 4.4 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

Are you a Dow Illinois resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Dow Illinois, we can show you just how much you could save by switching to solar power. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, this article will help you see the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy.

Dow Illinois Weather Trends

Dow Precipitation

With 45.01 inches of precipitation in the last year, Dow Illinois is below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, compared to the rest of Illinois, Dow falls slightly above the state average of 45.69 inches. By harnessing the power of solar panels, you can take advantage of Dow’s moderate rainfall to generate clean and renewable energy for your home.

Dow’s UV Rating

With an average UV rating of 4.42, Dow Illinois enjoys ample sunlight that can be converted into electricity through solar panels. Compared to the national average of 4.29, Dow’s UV rating is higher, placing it in the 62nd percentile in the country. By installing solar panels on your home, you can make the most of Dow’s sunny days and reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources.

Dow’s Cloud Cover

Despite an average cloud cover of 41%, Dow Illinois still experiences a significant number of sunny days suitable for solar energy production. While the cloud cover may be higher than the national average of 44.46%, Dow’s relatively lower cloud cover compared to the state average of 44.03% makes it an ideal location for solar panel installation. By capturing sunlight on clear days, you can increase your energy savings and reduce your carbon footprint.

Dow Illinois Electricity Costs

At $0.1/kw for electricity, Dow Illinois residents pay below the national average of $0.13/kw and the state average of $0.12/kw. By switching to solar power, you can further decrease your utility costs and protect yourself from potential future electricity rate hikes. Investing in solar panels for your home in Dow Illinois is not only a financially wise decision but also a sustainable choice for the environment.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Dow Illinois?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Dow 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:

  • Dow Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Dow Illinois are higher than the national average, providing good conditions for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Dow Illinois is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Dow Illinois pay 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 from the grid and leading to savings.
  • With Dow Illinois’ lower electricity rates, the savings are slightly less compared to the national average.

After analyzing the numbers, it seems that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Dow Illinois. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Considering that solar panels last for a long time, the savings will continue for many years after the initial investment is covered. It’s a wise way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment at the same time!

Investing in solar power in Dow Illinois

After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Dow Illinois, it is evident that installing solar panels can provide significant financial benefits. With moderate precipitation, ample sunlight, and lower-than-average electricity costs, Dow Illinois is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy. By investing in a solar system, residents can expect to break even on their initial investment in about 6 years, with long-term savings and environmental benefits to follow. Making the switch to solar power in Dow Illinois is not only a smart financial decision but also a sustainable choice for the future.