Overview
In Durand, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over a year, we can show you how much you can save with solar energy. With the breakdown of system costs and estimated time to break even, you’ll see how investing in solar panels is a smart decision for your wallet.
Durand Illinois Weather Trends
Durand Precipitation
In the last year, Durand Illinois received 49.89 inches of precipitation. This places Durand in the 48th percentile in the nation and the 79th percentile in Illinois. While the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, Illinois’s average is slightly lower at 45.69 inches. With the amount of precipitation Durand receives, solar panels can effectively harness the energy from the sun even on cloudy days.
Durand’s UV Rating
Over the last year, Durand Illinois had an average UV rating of 3.6, ranking in the 23rd percentile in the nation and the 3rd percentile in Illinois. Comparatively, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29 while Illinois’s average is 4.21. Additionally, Durand had an average max UV rating of 3.52, placing it in the 18th percentile in the nation and the 2nd percentile in Illinois. These UV ratings indicate that Durand receives a sufficient amount of sunlight for solar panels to be a beneficial investment.
Durand’s Cloud Cover
Throughout the last year, Durand Illinois had an average of 57% cloud cover, ranking in the 92nd percentile in the nation and the 98th percentile in Illinois. Comparatively, the national average for average cloud cover is 44.46% and Illinois’s average is 44.03%. Despite the high cloud cover in Durand, there are still plenty of days with clear skies, making solar energy production viable throughout the year.
Durand Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Durand pay around $0.13/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 78th percentile in the nation and the 76th percentile in Illinois. While the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, Illinois’s average is slightly lower at $0.12/kw. By investing in solar panels, Durand residents can significantly reduce their electricity costs over time, making it a wise financial decision in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Durand Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Durand 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:
- Durand Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Durand Illinois are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Durand Illinois is slightly higher than the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Durand Illinois pay around $0.13/kw for electricity, which is 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 electricity costs at $0.13/kw, the savings from using solar power can be significant over time.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-10 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to add up and pay off the investment. And since solar panels last for 25-30 years, you’ll be enjoying those savings for many years beyond the break-even point. It’s a wise investment for both your wallet and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Durand Illinois
Installing solar panels in Durand, Illinois is a wise financial decision for homeowners. With the data analyzed on weather trends and electricity costs, it is evident that the initial investment in solar panels can be recouped within 8-10 years. Even with slightly lower UV ratings and higher cloud cover, Durand still receives enough sunlight for efficient solar energy production. By reducing electricity costs over time, residents can enjoy significant savings and environmental benefits for many years to come.