Overview
Are you tired of high electricity bills? Installing solar panels on your home in Oak Park Illinois could be a great solution to save money in the long run. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs, we will show you how a solar system can help you break even in a certain amount of time. We will break down the costs involved and provide you with a clear picture of the financial benefits of going solar.
Oak Park Illinois Weather Trends
Oak Park Precipitation
With Oak Park receiving 43.6 inches of precipitation in the last year, the village ranks in the 35th percentile in the nation and the 47th percentile in Illinois. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Illinois’s average is 45.69 inches. This means Oak Park experiences slightly less precipitation than the country as a whole, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation.
Oak Park’s UV Rating
Over the last year, Oak Park had an average UV rating of 3.88, placing it in the 39th percentile nationwide and the 20th percentile in Illinois. In comparison, the national average UV rating is 4.29, and Illinois’s average is 4.21. Additionally, Oak Park’s average max UV rating is 4.1, placing it in the 34th percentile nationwide and the 21st percentile in Illinois, with the national average being 4.61 and the state average 4.53. The high UV ratings in Oak Park make it an excellent location for solar energy production.
Oak Park’s Cloud Cover
During the last year, Oak Park experienced an average of 46% cloud cover, ranking in the 59th percentile nationwide and the 74th percentile in Illinois. Comparatively, the national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, and Illinois’s average is 44.03%. With 108 days of low cloud cover (0-25%), 106 days of moderate cloud cover (25-50%), 75 days of high cloud cover (50-75%), and 75 days of overcast skies, Oak Park provides ample sunlight for efficient solar panel operation.
Oak Park Illinois Electricity Costs
Residential electricity in Oak Park costs approximately $0.13/kw, placing the village in the 77th percentile nationwide and the 71st percentile in Illinois. In contrast, the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13/kw, while Illinois’s average is slightly lower at $0.12/kw. By installing solar panels in Oak Park, residents can take advantage of the abundant sunlight and relatively affordable electricity rates to save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Oak Park Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Oak Park 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:
- Oak Park Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it suitable for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Oak Park Illinois are slightly lower than the national average, but still good for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Oak Park Illinois is close to the national average, with variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Oak Park Illinois pay the national average for electricity at $0.13/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 need to buy from the grid.
- With electricity costs at the national average, the savings will be steady over time.
After calculating the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 years, the savings on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. And with solar panels lasting for 25 to 30 years, there will be plenty of years ahead to enjoy the savings and benefits. It’s a wise investment for both finances and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Oak Park Illinois
With the promising weather conditions in Oak Park Illinois and the relatively affordable electricity costs, installing solar panels can be a smart decision to save money in the long run. By analyzing the data, we have determined that it would take approximately 7 years to break even on the initial investment of solar panels. Considering that the system can last between 25 and 30 years, this means there will be many years of savings and benefits ahead. Going solar in Oak Park is not only a financial investment but also a step towards a more sustainable future!