Overview
Thinking about installing solar panels on your Lexington Illinois home? In this article, we’ll break down the financial benefits of making the switch to solar energy. By analyzing weather data specific to Lexington, Illinois and comparing it to electricity costs, we’ll show you just how much money you can save by investing in a solar system. Get ready to learn about the long-term savings potential and how quickly you can break even on your initial investment.
Lexington Illinois Weather Trends
Lexington Precipitation
With 43.2 inches of precipitation in the last year, Lexington Illinois ranks higher than the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches. This means that Lexington receives less precipitation compared to other areas, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
Lexington’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.1 and a max UV rating of 4.43 in the last year, Lexington Illinois falls within the national and state averages. This moderate level of UV exposure makes Lexington a great candidate for solar panel installation, as it receives enough sunlight to efficiently generate electricity throughout the year.
Lexington’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 44% and a diverse distribution of cloud cover throughout the year, Lexington Illinois offers a balanced climate for solar energy production. Cloud cover percentages in the different ranges provide opportunities for both direct sunlight and diffused light, ensuring consistent energy generation.
Lexington Illinois Electricity Costs
Lexington residents pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, which is lower than the national average of $0.13/kw. This means that by investing in a solar system, homeowners in Lexington can potentially save a significant amount on their electricity bills in the long run. The cost-effectiveness of solar energy in Lexington makes it a smart choice for sustainable and affordable power generation.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Lexington Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Lexington 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:
- Lexington Illinois receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it suitable for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Lexington Illinois are slightly below the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Lexington Illinois is around the national average, with varying degrees throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Lexington Illinois pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar power a cost-effective option.
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 purchased from the grid.
- With the lower electricity rates in Lexington Illinois, the savings from solar power are significant.
Based on the data and calculations, it appears that it would take around 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and offset the investment. Given the longevity of solar panels, the savings will continue for many years beyond the payback period. Utilizing solar power is a wise financial decision that also contributes to a cleaner environment.
Investing in solar power in Lexington Illinois
Installing solar panels in Lexington Illinois can be a smart decision financially. With lower than average precipitation, moderate UV ratings, and balanced cloud cover, the weather conditions in Lexington are ideal for generating solar energy. Couple that with electricity costs below the national average, and investing in solar power can lead to significant long-term savings. By analyzing the data and calculations, it is clear that homeowners in Lexington can expect to break even on their solar investment in about 6 years. Beyond that, the savings on electricity bills will continue, making solar energy a cost-effective and sustainable choice for powering homes in Lexington.