Overview
In Lemont, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Lemont, we have calculated the cost of a solar system and estimated the time it will take to break even. With plenty of sunshine and minimal cloud cover, residents can expect to see substantial savings on their electricity bills over time. Let’s explore the economic advantages of going solar in Lemont.
Lemont Illinois Weather Trends
Lemont Precipitation
With 43.96 inches of precipitation in the last year, Lemont falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches but remains above the Illinois average of 45.69 inches. Despite this, Lemont is still in the 36th percentile in the nation and the 51st percentile in Illinois. By harnessing solar power, residents can take advantage of the ample sunlight to offset any potential loss of energy from rainy days.
Lemont’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.91 in the last year, Lemont ranks in the 41st percentile in the nation and the 24th percentile in Illinois. Although lower than the national and state averages of 4.29 and 4.21 respectively, Lemont makes up for this with 110 days of clear skies with little to no cloud cover. Installing solar panels will allow residents to capitalize on these sunny days to generate clean, renewable energy for their homes.
Lemont’s Cloud Cover
At an average of 46% cloud cover in the last year, Lemont surpasses both the national and Illinois averages. Despite this, the distribution of cloud cover throughout the year provides ample opportunities for solar energy production. With 110 days of minimal cloud cover, residents can maximize their solar panel efficiency and ultimately reduce their reliance on traditional energy sources.
Lemont Illinois Electricity Costs
Electricity costs in Lemont are slightly higher than the national average at $0.13/kw, but still fall below the Illinois average of $0.12/kw. By investing in solar panels, residents can take control of their energy expenses and reduce their dependency on grid electricity. Over time, the savings on electricity bills will outweigh the initial investment in solar panels, making it a financially savvy decision for Lemont residents.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lemont Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lemont 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:
- Lemont Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Lemont Illinois are slightly lower than the national average but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Lemont Illinois is around the national average, with variations throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lemont Illinois pay the national average 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 amount needed to be purchased from the grid.
- With Lemont Illinois’s average electricity costs, the savings are significant but not as high as in areas with higher electricity costs.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 10-12 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 10-12 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start offsetting the investment. Since solar panels last for 25-30 years, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for many years to come. It’s a wise investment that not only saves money but also contributes to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Lemont Illinois
Overall, installing solar panels in Lemont, Illinois can provide substantial financial benefits for residents. With an abundance of sunlight and relatively low electricity costs, homeowners can expect to break even on their investment within 10-12 years. By harnessing solar energy, residents can not only save money on electricity bills but also reduce their carbon footprint and contribute to a greener environment. Making the switch to solar power in Lemont is a smart decision that will continue to pay off for years to come.