Overview
In Evanston Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Evanston, we can show you how much money you could save by switching to solar power. With the cost of solar panel systems becoming more affordable, the break-even point for your investment may be closer than you think. Let’s explore the financial benefits of going solar in Evanston.
Evanston Illinois Weather Trends
Evanston Precipitation
With Evanston receiving 47.33 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is in the 43rd percentile in the nation and the 72nd percentile in Illinois. Although Evanston’s precipitation levels are slightly lower than the national average of 50.61 inches, they are higher than Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches. By harnessing solar power, you can take advantage of the sunny days to generate electricity, mitigating the impact of rain on traditional power sources.
Evanston’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 3.61, Evanston falls in the 24th percentile nationwide and the 3rd percentile in Illinois. While Evanston’s UV ratings are lower than the national average of 4.29, they are close to Illinois’s average of 4.21. With the potential for UV exposure, installing solar panels can efficiently convert sunlight into energy, helping you save on electricity costs and reduce your environmental footprint.
Evanston’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 48% cloud cover, Evanston is in the 67th percentile in the nation and the 91st percentile in Illinois. Although Evanston experiences more cloud cover than the national average of 44.46%, it is slightly higher than Illinois’s average of 44.03%. By installing solar panels, you can still generate electricity on cloudy days, maximizing your savings and reducing your reliance on the grid.
Evanston Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents in Evanston pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, placing them in the 77th percentile in the nation and the 71st percentile in Illinois. While Evanston’s electricity costs are on par with the national average, they are slightly higher than Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw. Switching to solar power can help you combat rising electricity prices, saving you money in the long run while contributing to a greener environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Evanston Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Evanston 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:
- Evanston Illinois receives slightly less rainfall than the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Evanston Illinois are slightly lower than the national average, but still conducive for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Evanston Illinois is slightly higher than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Evanston Illinois pay an average amount 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 need to rely on the grid.
- With Evanston Illinois’ average electricity rates, the savings will gradually add up over time.
After analyzing the data, 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 money saved on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so beyond that initial period, you will continue to realize those savings for many years. Investing in solar energy is not only a wise financial decision but also a step towards a greener future!
Investing in solar power in Evanston Illinois
With the potential financial savings and environmental benefits of installing solar panels in Evanston, Illinois, it is clear that making the switch to solar power is a smart decision. By analyzing weather trends and electricity costs specific to Evanston, we have determined that the break-even point for your investment could be as soon as 5 years. Beyond that initial period, you will continue to save money on electricity bills while reducing your environmental footprint. Investing in solar energy is not only a wise financial choice but also a step towards a greener future. Consider the long-term benefits of going solar and start saving today!