Overview
If you live in Knoxville, Illinois, and you’re looking to save money on your electricity bills, installing solar panels on your home could be a smart investment. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Knoxville, we can estimate how much you could save by switching to solar. With a breakdown of the cost of a solar system and an estimation of how long it will take to break even, this article will show you the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy.
Knoxville Illinois Weather Trends
Knoxville Precipitation
With Knoxville receiving 43.01 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below the national average of 50.61 inches. However, it is slightly higher compared to the Illinois average of 45.69 inches. This means that Knoxville’s lower precipitation levels can contribute to more sunny days, making it an ideal location for solar energy.
Knoxville’s UV Rating
Having an average UV rating of 4.11 places Knoxville right in the middle in terms of national and state rankings. The national average UV rating is slightly higher at 4.29, while Illinois’s average is 4.21. With an average max UV rating of 4.44, Knoxville’s UV levels are conducive for harnessing solar energy efficiently.
Knoxville’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 43% cloud cover in Knoxville, it is slightly lower than the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%. Additionally, Knoxville experienced a variety of cloud cover levels throughout the year, indicating ample sunshine for solar panel utilization.
Knoxville Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Knoxville pay around $0.12/kw for electricity, which is below the national average of $0.13/kw. In comparison to the state of Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw, Knoxville’s electricity costs are favorable for those considering making the switch to solar, which can lead to significant savings in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Knoxville Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Knoxville, 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:
- Knoxville receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Knoxville are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Knoxville is slightly below the national average, providing good sunlight for solar panels most of the time.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Knoxville pay $0.12/kw for electricity, which is slightly lower than 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 amount needed from the grid, especially with Knoxville’s lower electricity rates.
- Given the weather conditions and electricity costs, the savings from solar power are significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 4-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to compensate for the investment. Additionally, since solar panels can last for 25-30 years, the long-term savings and benefits are substantial. Investing in solar energy not only saves money but also contributes to environmental sustainability, making it a wise choice for Knoxville residents.
Investing in solar power in Knoxville Illinois
Considering the weather trends, Knoxville’s UV ratings, and electricity costs, investing in solar panels in Knoxville, Illinois, can lead to significant long-term savings. With lower precipitation levels, average UV ratings conducive for solar energy generation, and slightly below-average electricity costs, the initial investment in solar panels can be recouped in approximately 4-6 years. Additionally, the long lifespan of solar panels means that the benefits and savings will continue for many years. By making the switch to solar energy, Knoxville residents can not only save money but also contribute to environmental sustainability, making it a smart and forward-thinking investment.