Overview
In this article, we will explore the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home in New Athens Illinois. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs over the course of a year, we will break down the cost of a solar system and estimate how long it will take to break even. With abundant sunshine and potential savings on your electricity bill, investing in solar panels can be a smart financial decision for residents in New Athens Illinois.
New Athens Illinois Weather Trends
New Athens Precipitation
In the last year, New Athens Illinois received 47.17 inches of precipitation. While this might seem like a lot, it actually puts New Athens below the national average of 50.61 inches. Compared to the rest of Illinois, New Athens falls slightly above the state average of 45.69 inches. With plenty of rainfall, solar panels in New Athens can efficiently generate electricity all year round.
New Athens’s UV Rating
Over the last year, New Athens Illinois had an average UV rating of 4.61, indicating a healthy amount of sunlight. This places New Athens above both the national average of 4.29 and the state average of 4.21. With an average max UV rating of 5.04, New Athens continues to surpass national and state averages. These high UV ratings make New Athens an ideal location for harnessing solar energy.
New Athens’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 39% over the last year, New Athens enjoys clearer skies compared to the national average of 44.46%. In Illinois, New Athens ranks in the 3rd percentile for cloud cover. Additionally, New Athens experienced more sunny days with lower cloud cover percentages than days with heavy cloud cover. This means ample opportunities for solar panels to capture sunlight and produce clean energy.
New Athens Illinois Electricity Costs
New Athens Illinois residents pay approximately $0.12 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, which is slightly below the national average of $0.13/kw. Compared to the rest of Illinois, New Athens falls in the 25th percentile for electricity costs. By investing in solar panels, residents can take advantage of the abundant sunlight in New Athens to reduce their electricity bills even further, making it a financially savvy decision in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in New Athens Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in New Athens, 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:
- New Athens gets slightly less rain than the national average, making it a good location for solar power generation.
- The UV ratings in New Athens are higher than the national average, which is great for efficient solar panel operation.
- Cloud cover in New Athens is lower than the national average, with more sunny days throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in New Athens pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which means less money spent on utility bills.
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, providing long-term savings on electricity bills.
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:
- By generating electricity from solar panels, you reduce the need to purchase electricity from the grid.
- With New Athens’ lower electricity rates, the savings over the years add up significantly.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 4 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in New Athens, Illinois. This means that after 4 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to exceed the initial investment. Considering the longevity of solar panels, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. Investing in solar power is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for New Athens residents.
Investing in solar power in New Athens Illinois
Installing solar panels in New Athens Illinois can provide significant financial benefits for residents. With abundant sunlight, lower than average electricity costs, and efficient solar power generation, investing in solar panels can lead to substantial savings on electricity bills. Based on the analysis of weather data and electricity costs, it is estimated that residents could break even on their investment in solar panels in approximately 4 years. This means that after 4 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to exceed the initial cost of installation. Overall, investing in solar power is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice for residents of New Athens Illinois.