Overview
In East Alton, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can significantly reduce your electricity costs and provide long-term savings. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over a year, we can show you how much you can save by going solar. 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 demonstrate the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy in East Alton.
East Alton Illinois Weather Trends
East Alton Precipitation
In the last year, East Alton Illinois received 48 inches of precipitation, ranking it in the 44th percentile nationwide and the 74th percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, East Alton experiences slightly less precipitation, making it an ideal location for solar panels. With lower precipitation levels than the rest of the country and the state, you can rely on consistent energy production from your solar system.
East Alton’s UV Rating
In the last year, East Alton Illinois had an average UV rating of 4.44, placing it in the 63rd percentile nationwide and the 78th percentile in Illinois. With an average max UV rating of 4.84, East Alton receives ample sunlight for efficient solar panel operation. Compared to the national average of 4.29 for average UV rating and 4.61 for average max UV rating, East Alton’s solar potential surpasses the rest of the country and the state.
East Alton’s Cloud Cover
East Alton Illinois experienced an average of 41% cloud cover in the last year, ranking it in the 31st percentile nationwide and the 16th percentile in Illinois. With a lower cloud cover compared to the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%, East Alton offers more sunlight for your solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. By taking advantage of the days with minimal cloud cover, you can maximize your energy savings.
East Alton Illinois Electricity Costs
East Alton Illinois residents pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, which places the town in the 6th percentile nationwide and the 4th percentile in Illinois. With residential electricity costs lower than the national average of $0.13/kw and Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw, going solar in East Alton can provide substantial long-term savings on your energy bills. By investing in solar panels, you can lock in lower electricity costs and reduce your dependence on traditional grid power.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in East Alton Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in East Alton 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:
- East Alton Illinois receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in East Alton Illinois are higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in East Alton Illinois is slightly lower than the national average, with some variations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in East Alton Illinois pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which means potential savings with solar power.
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 need to purchase from the grid.
- With lower electricity rates in East Alton Illinois, the savings are still significant.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years beyond the initial payback period. Investing in solar power is not only financially wise but also environmentally friendly, making it a smart choice for homeowners in East Alton Illinois.
Investing in solar power in East Alton Illinois
With lower precipitation levels, higher UV ratings, and less cloud cover than the national averages, East Alton, Illinois is an ideal location for installing solar panels. Residents in East Alton also pay lower electricity costs compared to the national average, providing significant long-term savings potential. By investing in a standard 10kW solar system, homeowners can expect to break even on their initial investment in approximately 5 years. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start accumulating, resulting in substantial financial benefits. Switching to solar power not only makes financial sense but also contributes to a greener, more sustainable environment in East Alton, Illinois.