Overview
In Penfield, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. By analyzing data on weather patterns and electricity costs specific to Penfield, we can estimate how much you could save by switching to solar energy. With the right size solar system, you could potentially break even in just a few years and start enjoying free electricity for many more years to come.
Penfield Illinois Weather Trends
Penfield Precipitation
In the last year, Penfield Illinois received 37.56 inches of precipitation. While this puts Penfield below the national average of 50.61 inches, it is slightly lower than the Illinois average of 45.69 inches. With Penfield’s lower than average rainfall, solar panels can still be highly effective at generating electricity, even on cloudy days.
Penfield’s UV Rating
In the last year, Penfield Illinois had an average UV rating of 4.12. This places Penfield right in the middle in terms of UV exposure, both nationally and within Illinois. With consistent UV exposure, solar panels in Penfield can efficiently convert sunlight into electricity, providing homeowners with a reliable source of clean energy.
Penfield’s Cloud Cover
Last year, Penfield Illinois had an average of 43% cloud cover. This is slightly lower than the national average of 44.46% and the Illinois average of 44.03%. With a good balance of sunny and cloudy days, Penfield residents can benefit from solar panels that can generate electricity even when the sun is not shining at full brightness.
Penfield Illinois Electricity Costs
Penfield Illinois residents pay about $0.12/kw for electricity. While this is on par with the Illinois average, it is slightly below the national average of $0.13/kw. By installing solar panels and generating your own electricity, you can save money in the long run and reduce your reliance on traditional utility companies.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Penfield Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Penfield 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:
- Penfield Illinois receives less precipitation compared to the national average, making it a suitable location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings are slightly below the national average, but they are still sufficient for generating solar power effectively.
- The cloud cover percentage is around the national average, with some variability throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Penfield Illinois pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average.
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.
- Given the slightly lower electricity costs in Penfield Illinois, the savings are still substantial.
After running the numbers, it appears that it would take approximately 6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, you will continue to benefit from these savings for many years. Investing in solar panels is not only a smart financial decision but also a positive step towards a more sustainable future.
Investing in solar power in Penfield Illinois
Based on the analysis of weather trends and electricity costs specific to Penfield, Illinois, it is evident that installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant financial savings in the long run. With a balanced amount of sunshine and cloud cover, along with slightly lower electricity costs compared to the national average, residents in Penfield can expect to break even on their solar investment in approximately 6 years. Not only will this initial investment pay off over time, but it also provides homeowners with a reliable and sustainable source of clean energy for many more years to come.