Overview
If you live in Moline, Illinois, you may be wondering if it makes financial sense to invest in solar panels for your home. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to Moline, we can show you how much money you could save over time by going solar. With information on average annual precipitation, UV ratings, and cloud cover, along with a breakdown of solar system costs and estimated payback periods, you can see the potential benefits of making the switch to solar energy in Moline.
Moline Illinois Weather Trends
Moline Precipitation
With Moline receiving 40.81 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below both the national and Illinois averages. This means that Moline has less rainfall compared to most areas in the country and within the state. By harnessing solar energy, you can take advantage of the sunny days to power your home sustainably and offset traditional energy costs.
Moline’s UV Rating
At an average UV rating of 4.1, Moline is right around the middle in terms of UV exposure when compared to the rest of the nation and Illinois. Solar panels are highly effective in areas with moderate UV levels like Moline, making it a reliable source of energy for your home. By going solar, you can reduce your carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels.
Moline’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 43% cloud cover, Moline offers a good balance for solar energy production. While some cloud cover is inevitable, Moline experiences clear days for a significant portion of the year. By installing solar panels, you can take advantage of these sunny days to generate clean and renewable energy for your home, helping you save on electricity costs in the long run.
Moline Illinois Electricity Costs
Moline residents pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, which is significantly lower than both the national and Illinois averages. By transitioning to solar power, you can further reduce your electricity expenses and potentially even earn credits through net metering. This shift to solar not only helps you save money but also contributes to the overall sustainability and environmental health of Moline.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Moline Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Moline 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:
- Moline receives less rain than the national average, with a good amount of sunshine for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Moline are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Moline is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Moline pay less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar power savings slightly lower.
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 need to buy from the grid.
- With Moline’s lower electricity rates, the savings may take slightly longer to pay off the initial cost.
After analyzing the data, it is estimated that it could take around 8-10 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Moline Illinois. This means, after the initial period, you will start saving money on electricity bills and see a return on your investment. Considering solar panels last for many years, you will continue to enjoy savings for a long time after breaking even. Investing in solar energy is a smart choice for both your finances and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Moline Illinois
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs specific to Moline, Illinois, it is evident that investing in solar panels for your home can be a financially wise decision. With lower than average rainfall, moderate UV ratings, and manageable cloud cover, Moline offers an ideal environment for solar energy production. Additionally, the relatively low cost of electricity in Moline means that the payback period for a solar system installation could be as short as 8-10 years. By making the switch to solar power, not only can you save money on your electricity bills, but you can also contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for Moline. Considering the long-term benefits, investing in solar energy is a smart and environmentally conscious choice for residents of Moline, Illinois.