Overview
In Pittsburg, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant cost savings on electricity over time. Through analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, it is clear that a solar system can pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time. By breaking down the costs and benefits, this article aims to show residents the financial advantages of making the switch to solar energy.
Pittsburg Illinois Weather Trends
Pittsburg Precipitation
In the last year, Pittsburg Illinois received 52.33 inches of precipitation, which is higher than both the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches. With Pittsburg ranking in the 53rd percentile nationally and the 84th percentile within Illinois, the abundance of rainfall provides an excellent opportunity for solar panels to efficiently generate energy.
Pittsburg’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 4.38 in the last year, Pittsburg Illinois surpasses both the national average of 4.29 and Illinois’s average of 4.21. Ranking in the 61st percentile nationwide and the 75th percentile within the state, the strong UV exposure makes Pittsburg an ideal location for harnessing solar energy effectively throughout the year.
Pittsburg’s Cloud Cover
In the last year, Pittsburg Illinois had an average of 41% cloud cover, lower than both the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%. With a higher number of days featuring clear skies, residents can expect consistent sunlight to power their solar panels efficiently and maximize energy production.
Pittsburg Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Pittsburg Illinois pay about $0.12/kw for electricity, which is below the national average of $0.13/kw but matches Illinois’s average. With Pittsburg ranking in the 45th percentile nationally and the 18th percentile within the state for electricity costs, transitioning to solar energy can lead to significant long-term savings and reduce reliance on traditional utility providers.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Pittsburg Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Pittsburg, 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:
- Pittsburg gets slightly more precipitation compared to the national average, but still receives enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Pittsburg are slightly higher than the national average, which is great for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Pittsburg is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Pittsburg pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making solar panels a cost-effective option.
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 and saving money on electricity bills.
- With Pittsburg’s lower electricity rates, the savings from using solar power will add up over time.
Based on this analysis, it is estimated that it would take approximately 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. After this period, the savings on electricity bills will accumulate and help pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, these savings will continue for many years after the initial investment is recouped. Investing in solar panels is a smart financial decision that not only saves money but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
Investing in solar power in Pittsburg Illinois
Ultimately, based on the weather trends and electricity costs in Pittsburg, Illinois, it is clear that installing solar panels can lead to significant cost savings over time. By analyzing the data, it is estimated that residents could break even on their investment in solar panels within 6-7 years. With the long lifespan of solar systems and the consistent sunlight in Pittsburg, the financial benefits of transitioning to solar energy are evident. Making the switch to solar not only saves money but also contributes to a more sustainable future for all.