Overview
Are you a resident of Harvard, Illinois looking to save money on your electricity bill? Installing solar panels on your home could be the solution you’ve been searching for. In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of switching to solar energy in Harvard, using data on weather patterns and electricity costs specific to your area. By analyzing the cost of a solar system and estimating how long it will take to break even, you’ll see just how much you can save in the long run. Let’s dive in and explore the potential savings waiting for you with solar energy in Harvard, Illinois.
Harvard Illinois Weather Trends
Harvard Precipitation
With Harvard, Illinois receiving 44.91 inches of precipitation in the last year, this puts the town in the 38th percentile in the nation and the 60th percentile in Illinois. Comparing this to the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches, it is clear that Harvard experiences slightly less rainfall. This means that solar panels in Harvard are likely to receive more sunlight exposure, leading to increased energy production and potential savings in the long run.
Harvard’s UV Rating
Looking at Harvard’s average UV rating of 3.68, the town falls in the 29th percentile in the nation and the 5th percentile in Illinois. When compared to the national average of 4.29 and Illinois’s average of 4.21, Harvard experiences slightly lower UV levels. However, with an average max UV rating of 3.95, Harvard remains in a good position for solar energy production. This means that installing solar panels in Harvard can still be highly effective in harnessing the power of the sun.
Harvard’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 47%, Harvard is in the 65th percentile in the nation and the 88th percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%, Harvard experiences slightly more cloud cover. However, with a significant number of days with clear skies, ranging from 0% to 25% cloud cover, there are plenty of opportunities for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. This makes Harvard a favorable location for solar energy utilization.
Harvard Illinois Electricity Costs
Harvard residents pay approximately $0.13/kw for electricity, placing it in the 77th percentile nationally and the 71st percentile in Illinois. With the national average sitting at $0.13/kw and Illinois’s average at $0.12/kw, Harvard’s electricity rates are on par with the rest of the country. By switching to solar energy, residents can not only reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources but also save money in the long term as solar power becomes more cost-effective over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Harvard Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Harvard 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:
- Harvard Illinois gets slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, which is good for solar panel operation.
- The UV ratings in Harvard Illinois are a bit lower than the national average but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Harvard Illinois is close to the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Harvard Illinois pay the national average cost for electricity, which is $0.13/kw.
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 buy as much from the grid.
- Since electricity costs are average in Harvard Illinois, the savings are also average compared to the national average.
After calculations, it appears that it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and compensate for the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for many years, you will have the opportunity to enjoy those savings for the long term. It is a wise choice to save money and contribute to environmental conservation simultaneously!
Investing in solar power in Harvard Illinois
After analyzing the weather patterns and electricity costs specific to Harvard, Illinois, it is evident that switching to solar energy can lead to significant long-term savings. With Harvard experiencing slightly less rainfall, suitable UV ratings, and favorable cloud cover for solar panel operation, residents can harness the power of the sun efficiently. Additionally, with electricity costs in Harvard aligning with the national average, investing in a solar system can result in breaking even in around 5-6 years. This means that not only will residents save money on their electricity bills, but they will also contribute to environmental conservation. Making the switch to solar energy in Harvard, Illinois is a smart financial and eco-friendly decision to consider.