Overview
In Lansing, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Lansing, we can estimate how long it will take for a solar system to pay for itself. With plenty of sunshine throughout the year, residents can harness renewable energy to reduce their electricity bills and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Lansing Illinois Weather Trends
Lansing Precipitation
With Lansing, Illinois receiving 45.1 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that the area experiences a moderate amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Lansing falls slightly below. However, when compared to the rest of Illinois with an average of 45.69 inches, Lansing is right on par. Despite not being the wettest location, the amount of precipitation is sufficient to support the growth of vegetation needed for solar panels to function optimally.
Lansing’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.8 in the last year, Lansing, Illinois experiences a moderate amount of ultraviolet radiation. This places Lansing at the 36th percentile in the nation and the 12th percentile in Illinois. Although not the highest, the UV rating is adequate for solar panel efficiency. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 4.11 further supports the notion that Lansing receives a decent amount of sunlight throughout the year.
Lansing’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Lansing Illinois had an average of 47% cloud cover. This places Lansing in the 62nd percentile in the nation and the 81st percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%, Lansing experiences slightly more cloud cover. However, with a significant number of days having minimal cloud cover, residents can still benefit from ample sunlight to generate solar energy effectively.
Lansing Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Lansing, Illinois pay around $0.13/kw for electricity, positioning Lansing in the 77th percentile in the nation and the 71st percentile in Illinois. Although the cost is in line with the national average, it is slightly higher than Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw. By installing solar panels, Lansing residents can significantly reduce their electricity bills and take advantage of the abundant sunlight the area receives throughout the year.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lansing Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lansing 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:
- Lansing Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Lansing Illinois are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Lansing Illinois is around the national average with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lansing Illinois pay the national average for electricity.
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 amount needed from the grid.
- With average electricity rates, the savings from using solar power will help offset the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it is estimated that it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Lansing Illinois. This means, after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, with solar panels lasting for up to 30 years, there will be many more years of savings to enjoy. Investing in solar panels is a cost-effective way to save money and contribute to a greener environment.
Investing in solar power in Lansing Illinois
Based on the analysis of weather data and electricity costs specific to Lansing, Illinois, it is clear that installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. With ample sunlight throughout the year, residents can harness renewable energy to not only reduce their electricity bills but also contribute to a more sustainable future. After considering all factors, it is estimated that it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Lansing Illinois. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Investing in solar panels is a cost-effective way to save money and contribute to a greener environment for years to come.