Overview
Have you ever considered how installing solar panels on your home in Fairfield, Illinois could benefit you financially? By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to your area, we can show you how much you could save on your monthly energy bills and how quickly you could break even on the cost of a solar system. With abundant sunshine and affordable electricity rates, going solar in Fairfield could be a smart investment that pays off in the long run.
Fairfield Illinois Weather Trends
Fairfield Precipitation
With Fairfield, Illinois receiving 57.02 inches of precipitation in the last year, this puts the town in the 64th percentile in the nation and the 91st percentile in Illinois. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Illinois’s average is 45.69 inches. This means that Fairfield’s above-average precipitation levels can contribute to the efficiency and effectiveness of solar panels, ensuring optimal energy production.
Fairfield’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.44 in the last year, Fairfield, Illinois ranks in the 63rd percentile in the nation and the 78th percentile in Illinois. In comparison, the national average for average UV rating is 4.29, and Illinois’s average is 4.21. Additionally, Fairfield’s average max UV rating of 4.82 places the town in the 53rd percentile nationally and the 73rd percentile in Illinois. These UV ratings indicate strong sun exposure, making it an ideal environment for solar panel installation to maximize energy generation.
Fairfield’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 42% cloud cover in the last year, Fairfield, Illinois is in the 37th percentile nationally and the 26th percentile within Illinois. In contrast, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Illinois averages 44.03%. Fairfield experienced 127 days with between 0% and 25% cloud cover, 99 days with between 25% and 50% cloud cover, 82 days with between 50% and 75% cloud cover, and 56 days with between 75% and 100% cloud cover. This lower cloud cover percentage offers more extended periods of direct sunlight, maximizing solar panel efficiency.
Fairfield Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Fairfield, Illinois pay approximately $0.15/kw for electricity, placing the town in the 93rd percentile nationally and the 99th percentile within Illinois. In comparison, the national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, and Illinois’s average is $0.12/kw. With higher electricity rates in Fairfield, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings on energy bills, making it a financially sensible decision for homeowners.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Fairfield Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Fairfield 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:
- Fairfield Illinois receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sun for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Fairfield Illinois are slightly higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Fairfield Illinois is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Fairfield Illinois pay a bit more 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:
- The system generates electricity, reducing the need to purchase as much from the grid.
- Considering Fairfield Illinois’ higher electricity rates, the savings from solar power are even greater.
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 money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and payoff the investment. Additionally, solar panels have a long lifespan, ensuring that the savings continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar panels is not only a smart financial decision but also a way to contribute positively to the environment.
Investing in solar power in Fairfield Illinois
Installing solar panels in Fairfield, Illinois could be a wise financial choice for homeowners. With above-average precipitation levels, strong sun exposure, and lower cloud cover, the town provides an ideal environment for solar panel efficiency. Additionally, with higher electricity rates in Fairfield, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial long-term savings on energy bills. Based on the analysis of weather data and electricity costs, it is estimated that it would take approximately 5 years to break even on the initial cost of a solar system. This investment not only provides financial benefits but also contributes positively to the environment. Consider going solar in Fairfield to save money and help the planet.