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

Edwards, IL at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.5/10 5/10 6.9/10 4.9/10 0.6/10
Not Bad 44% daily 3 inches monthly 4.1 on average 0.1/kw

Overview

In Edwards Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant cost savings over time. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can show you how much money you can save by making the switch to solar energy. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you can see that investing in solar panels is not only environmentally friendly, but financially beneficial as well.

Edwards Illinois Weather Trends

Edwards Precipitation

In the last year, Edwards Illinois received 41.69 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 31st percentile in the nation and the 29th 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 Edwards sees slightly less rainfall. With lower precipitation levels, solar panels in Edwards are less likely to be obstructed by heavy rainfall, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy effectively.

Edwards’s UV Rating

Over the last year, Edwards Illinois had an average UV rating of 4.09, ranking it in the 49th percentile nationally and the 48th percentile in Illinois. In comparison, the national average is 4.29, and Illinois’s average is 4.21. With an average max UV rating of 4.45, Edwards is in the 44th percentile nationwide and the 47th percentile in Illinois. These UV ratings indicate that Edwards receives a significant amount of sunlight, making it a prime location for solar panel installation to maximize energy production.

Edwards’s Cloud Cover

With an average of 44% cloud cover in the last year, Edwards Illinois falls in the 50th percentile nationally and the 49th percentile in Illinois. Nationally, the average cloud cover is 44.46%, while Illinois’s average is 44.03%. Edwards experienced 126 days with clear skies (0-25% cloud cover), 96 days with some clouds (25-50% cloud cover), 69 days with moderate clouds (50-75% cover), and 73 days with mostly cloudy skies (75-100% cloud cover). This consistency in cloud cover allows for more predictable solar energy generation throughout the year.

Edwards Illinois Electricity Costs

Residents of Edwards Illinois pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, placing them in the 6th percentile nationally and the 4th percentile in Illinois. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Illinois’s average is $0.12/kw. With lower-than-average electricity costs, investing in solar panels in Edwards can lead to substantial savings on energy bills over time, providing a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution for homeowners in the area.

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

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Edwards 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:

  • Edwards Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Edwards Illinois are close to the national average, providing good conditions for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Edwards Illinois is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Edwards Illinois pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which is favorable for investment in solar panels.

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 resulting in savings on electricity bills.
  • With Edwards Illinois’s lower electricity rates, the savings may not be as significant as in other areas, but they still accumulate 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 offset the investment. And with solar panels lasting for 25-30 years, you’ll enjoy those savings for many years to come. Investing in solar panels can be a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment!

Investing in solar power in Edwards Illinois

In conclusion, installing solar panels in Edwards Illinois is a wise investment that can lead to significant cost savings over time. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to the area, it is evident that Edwards is an ideal location for harnessing solar energy effectively. With lower precipitation levels, high UV ratings, and consistent cloud cover, solar panels in Edwards can generate ample energy throughout the year. Additionally, residents benefit from lower-than-average electricity costs, further enhancing the financial benefits of investing in solar panels. Based on our analysis, it would take approximately 8-10 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system, with savings continuing for the lifespan of the panels. Overall, investing in solar panels not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable environment for future generations.