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Solar and Electricity Data for Macon, IL: Does a Solar Installation Make Sense?

Macon, IL at a glance

Overall Cloud Coverage Precipitation UV Index Electricity Cost
3.1/10 0.3/10 5.3/10 1.4/10 8.5/10
Not Bad 61% daily 4 inches monthly 3.4 on average 0.14/kw

Overview

Are you tired of high electricity bills eating away at your budget in Macon, Illinois? Solar panels could be the solution you’ve been looking for! By harnessing the power of the sun, you can significantly reduce your monthly expenses and break even on the cost of the system in a relatively short amount of time. With favorable weather conditions and cost savings, installing solar panels on your home is a smart investment that will pay off in the long run.

Macon Illinois Weather Trends

Macon Precipitation

With Macon Illinois receiving 49.72 inches of precipitation in the last year, you can take advantage of this ample water supply to keep your solar panels clean and operating efficiently. Although Macon ranks slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches, it is still above the state average of 45.69 inches. This means you can rely on consistent rainfall to help maintain the performance of your solar energy system.

Macon’s UV Rating

Considering Macon Illinois’s average UV rating of 3.38 in the last year, you are in a prime location to benefit from the sun’s powerful rays for your solar panels. While Macon falls below the national average of 4.29 and the state average of 4.21, you can still harness sufficient sunlight to generate clean and renewable energy for your home. With an average max UV rating of 3.56, you have plenty of sunlight to fuel your solar panel system efficiently.

Macon’s Cloud Cover

Despite Macon Illinois experiencing an average of 61% cloud cover in the last year, you can still generate significant electricity savings with solar panels. Although Macon ranks high in cloud cover compared to the national average of 44.46% and the state average of 44.03%, you can offset cloudy days with the surplus energy your panels produce during sunny periods. With strategic planning, you can maximize your solar energy production throughout the year.

Macon Illinois Electricity Costs

With Macon Illinois residents paying about $0.14/kw for electricity, you can reduce your monthly utility expenses by switching to solar power. While Macon’s electricity costs are slightly higher than the national average of $0.13/kw and the state average of $0.12/kw, investing in solar panels will help you lock in lower energy rates and protect yourself from future price increases. By making the switch to solar, you can secure long-term savings on your electricity bills.

When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Macon Illinois?

Considering the weather and electricity costs in Macon, 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:

  • Macon receives slightly less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
  • The UV ratings in Macon are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
  • Cloud cover in Macon is higher than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.

Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:

  • Residents in Macon pay slightly more for electricity compared to 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.
  • Despite the higher electricity rates in Macon, savings can still be significant over time.

After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Macon. This means that after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, these savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar energy is a wise financial decision while also benefiting the environment.

Investing in solar power in Macon Illinois

Investing in solar panels in Macon, Illinois is a smart decision for reducing electricity costs and achieving long-term savings. With favorable weather conditions for solar energy production and slightly higher electricity rates than the national average, homeowners can expect to break even on their investment in solar panels within 5-6 years. By taking advantage of the sun’s powerful rays and consistent rainfall, residents can enjoy the benefits of clean and renewable energy while protecting themselves from future price increases. Making the switch to solar is not only a financially wise choice but also a sustainable one for the environment.