Overview
Are you a Mount Vernon Illinois resident looking to save money on your electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home could be a cost-effective solution! In this article, we will break down the financial benefits of solar energy based on weather data and electricity costs specific to Mount Vernon. By analyzing the amount of sunlight received, average precipitation levels, and average cloud cover, we can estimate how long it will take for you to break even on the initial investment of a solar system. Let’s explore how solar panels can help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint in the long run.
Mount Vernon Illinois Weather Trends
Mount Vernon Precipitation
With Mount Vernon receiving 53.34 inches of precipitation last year, you’re in a good position to take advantage of solar panels. This puts Mount Vernon above the national average of 50.61 inches and the Illinois average of 45.69 inches. By harnessing the power of the rain you receive, you can save money on your electricity bills and reduce your impact on the environment.
Mount Vernon’s UV Rating
Mount Vernon’s average UV rating of 4.52 indicates a great potential for solar energy generation. This puts Mount Vernon above the national average of 4.29 and Illinois’s average of 4.21. With the high max UV rating of 4.89, you have even more opportunity to maximize your savings and reduce your reliance on traditional energy sources.
Mount Vernon’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 40%, Mount Vernon is in a favorable position for solar energy production. This places Mount Vernon below the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%. Having a higher number of days with lower cloud cover percentages means more sunlight for your solar panels, translating to increased cost savings and environmental benefits.
Mount Vernon Illinois Electricity Costs
At $0.12/kw for electricity, Mount Vernon residents are already paying below the national average of $0.13/kw. Compared to Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw, you have a competitive rate that makes investing in solar panels even more cost-effective in the long run. By switching to solar energy, you can further decrease your electricity expenses and contribute to a cleaner planet.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Mount Vernon Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Mount Vernon 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 Vernon Illinois receives slightly more precipitation than the national average, but still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Mount Vernon Illinois are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Mount Vernon Illinois is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Mount Vernon Illinois pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, at $0.12/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 bought from the grid.
- With Mount Vernon Illinois’ lower electricity rates, the savings may take a bit longer to cover the initial cost.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 10-12 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. And since solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years afterwards. Investing in solar energy is not only a smart financial decision but also helps in protecting the environment in the long run.
Investing in solar power in Mount Vernon Illinois
Installing solar panels in Mount Vernon, Illinois can be a smart and cost-effective way to save money on electricity bills while reducing your carbon footprint. With above-average precipitation, high UV ratings, and favorable cloud cover, the city provides an ideal environment for solar energy production. Combined with competitive electricity rates, investing in solar panels could lead to significant savings over time. By taking around 10-12 years to break even on the initial investment, you can enjoy long-term financial benefits and contribute to a cleaner planet. So, consider making the switch to solar energy to reap the rewards in both your wallet and the environment.