Overview
In Mount Sterling, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, it is evident that the amount of sunlight in the area makes it an ideal location for solar energy production. With a breakdown of the costs of a solar system and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, this article aims to show residents the benefits of making the switch to solar power.
Mount Sterling Illinois Weather Trends
Mount Sterling Precipitation
With Mount Sterling receiving 39.79 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area sees less rainfall compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches. This lower precipitation rate can be beneficial for solar panel installation as it means more sunny days for energy production.
Mount Sterling’s UV Rating
Mount Sterling’s average UV rating of 4.28 indicates that the area receives a moderate amount of sunlight, ranking it higher than both the national and state averages. With an average max UV rating of 4.65, Mount Sterling experiences even more sunlight exposure, making it an ideal location for harnessing solar energy for your home.
Mount Sterling’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 41% cloud cover, Mount Sterling experiences less cloudy days than the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%. This lower cloud cover percentage means there are more clear days for solar panels to efficiently generate electricity, maximizing your energy savings in the long run.
Mount Sterling Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Mount Sterling pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, which is lower than both the national average of $0.13/kw and Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw. Lower electricity costs combined with favorable weather conditions make installing solar panels a wise financial decision that can lead to significant savings on your energy bills over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mount Sterling Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mount Sterling 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:
- Mount Sterling Illinois receives less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panel installation.
- The UV ratings in Mount Sterling Illinois are very close to the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Mount Sterling Illinois is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Mount Sterling 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 needed from the grid and saving money on electricity bills.
- With Mount Sterling Illinois’ lower electricity rates, the savings are still significant over time.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. With solar panels lasting between 25 and 30 years, there will be many years of savings and environmental benefits to enjoy. Investing in solar power is a smart decision for both your wallet and the planet.
Investing in solar power in Mount Sterling Illinois
Installing solar panels in Mount Sterling, Illinois is a smart financial decision that can lead to significant savings over time. With favorable weather conditions, including ample sunlight and minimal cloud cover, as well as lower electricity costs compared to national averages, the benefits of switching to solar power are clear. By analyzing the costs and estimating a break-even timeframe, it is evident that investing in solar energy is a wise choice for both saving money and helping the environment. Making the switch to solar power in Mount Sterling is a win-win situation for residents looking to cut down on electricity expenses while reducing their carbon footprint.