Overview
Living in Rantoul, Illinois, you may be wondering if installing solar panels on your home is a worthwhile investment. By analyzing the weather data over the course of a year, along with the basic electricity costs in the area, we can demonstrate the financial benefits of switching to solar energy. With the cost of a solar system broken down and an estimate of how long it will take to break even, you will see how going solar can save you money in the long run.
Rantoul Illinois Weather Trends
Rantoul Precipitation
With Rantoul receiving 36.96 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is important to note that the town falls below the national and state averages. Nationally, the average total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Illinois averages 45.69 inches. Despite being in the lower percentiles for precipitation, the moderate rainfall in Rantoul can still contribute to the effectiveness of solar panels, providing enough water to keep them clean and efficient.
Rantoul’s UV Rating
Considering Rantoul’s average UV rating of 4.12 in the last year, it falls around the middle percentile compared to the rest of the country and within Illinois. The national average stands at 4.29, with Illinois slightly lower at 4.21. With a decent UV rating, Rantoul has enough sunlight exposure to generate significant solar energy, making it a feasible option for residents looking to make the switch to renewable energy.
Rantoul’s Cloud Cover
On average, Rantoul experiences a 44% cloud cover, placing it in the middle percentiles nationally and within the state of Illinois. With various days throughout the year dedicated to different levels of cloud cover, residents can expect a good balance of sunlight to power their solar panels. Even on cloudier days, solar panels continue to produce energy, making them a reliable and efficient source for Rantoul homeowners.
Rantoul Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents in Rantoul pay around $0.12/kw for electricity, which is slightly below the national average. With Illinois’s average matching Rantoul’s at $0.12/kw, solar energy becomes even more appealing. By investing in solar panels, homeowners can significantly reduce their electricity costs in the long run, making it a smart financial decision for the environmentally conscious residents of Rantoul.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Rantoul Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Rantoul 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:
- Rantoul Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Rantoul Illinois are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Rantoul Illinois is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Rantoul Illinois pay slightly less than the national average for electricity.
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.
- With the electricity cost in Rantoul Illinois, the savings may accumulate more slowly compared to areas with higher rates.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to surpass the investment. And remember, solar panels have a long lifespan, so you’ll continue to benefit from these savings for many years to come. It’s a wise investment choice both financially and environmentally!
Investing in solar power in Rantoul Illinois
After analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in Rantoul, Illinois, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings for residents. With lower-than-average precipitation, decent UV ratings, and moderate cloud cover, Rantoul provides an ideal environment for solar energy production. Additionally, with electricity costs slightly below the national average, homeowners can expect to break even on their initial investment in solar panels within 6-7 years. This makes switching to solar power a smart financial decision for those looking to save money in the long run while also benefiting the environment. Overall, installing solar panels in Rantoul, Illinois, is a worthwhile investment for residents seeking to reduce their electricity costs and embrace renewable energy solutions.