Overview
In Palos Heights Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can result in significant financial benefits. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we will show you how much money you can save by harnessing the power of the sun. Our breakdown of solar system costs and estimated break-even time will demonstrate why investing in solar energy is not only environmentally friendly, but also a smart financial decision for homeowners in Palos Heights.
Palos Heights Illinois Weather Trends
Palos Heights Precipitation
With Palos Heights Illinois receiving 42.92 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s clear that the area is not overly rainy. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, Palos Heights falls slightly below, ranking in the 33rd percentile in the nation. In Illinois, the city is in the 41st percentile. This means that the moderate amount of precipitation in Palos Heights makes it a suitable location for solar panel installation.
Palos Heights’s UV Rating
Palos Heights Illinois enjoys an average UV rating of 3.95, which is comparable to the national average of 4.29. The city ranks in the 43rd percentile nationally and the 29th percentile in Illinois. Additionally, the average max UV rating of 4.21 places Palos Heights in the 38th percentile in the nation. With consistent sunlight, Palos Heights provides ample opportunities for harnessing solar energy.
Palos Heights’s Cloud Cover
Palos Heights Illinois maintains an average cloud cover of 46%, positioning the city in the 58th percentile nationally and the 72nd percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of 44.46%, Palos Heights sees slightly more cloud cover. However, with a good mix of days with varying levels of cloud cover, residents can still benefit from sufficient sunlight for solar panel efficiency.
Palos Heights Illinois Electricity Costs
Palos Heights residents pay approximately $0.13/kw for electricity, ranking the city in the 77th percentile nationally and the 71st percentile in Illinois. While this cost is on par with the national average, it is slightly higher than the Illinois average of $0.12/kw. By investing in solar panels, residents can significantly reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources and save on their monthly utility bills over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Palos Heights Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Palos Heights 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:
- Palos Heights gets slightly less rain than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Palos Heights are slightly lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Palos Heights is around the national average with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Palos Heights pay the national average for electricity, which is $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, which means you won’t need to buy as much from the grid, saving money on your electricity bill.
- With the average electricity cost in Palos Heights, the savings are consistent with the national average.
Based on the calculations, it would take approximately 8-9 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 8-9 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Since solar panels last for 25-30 years, you will continue to enjoy those savings for a long time. Investing in solar energy is a smart way to save money and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Investing in solar power in Palos Heights Illinois
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Palos Heights Illinois, it is evident that investing in solar panels can yield both environmental and financial benefits for homeowners in the area. With moderate precipitation, ample sunlight, and slightly higher than average electricity costs, residents in Palos Heights can expect to break even on their solar panel investment in approximately 8-9 years. This means that after this initial period, homeowners will start saving money on their electricity bills and continue to enjoy those savings for decades to come. By harnessing the power of the sun, residents in Palos Heights can make a smart and sustainable choice for their homes.