Overview
In Saint Augustine, Illinois, harnessing the power of the sun through solar panels can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing weather data over the course of a year, we can determine that the amount of sunlight the area receives makes it a prime location for solar energy production. With the cost of solar systems becoming more affordable, residents can recoup their investment in a solar panel installation in a relatively short amount of time, ultimately leading to long-term financial benefits.
Saint Augustine Illinois Weather Trends
Saint Augustine Precipitation
With Saint Augustine, Illinois receiving 65.09 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is clear that the area sees a significant amount of rainfall. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches, and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches, Saint Augustine stands out with its higher precipitation levels. This abundance of rainfall can benefit residents who choose to install solar panels on their homes, as it can help to keep the panels clean and functioning efficiently throughout the year.
Saint Augustine’s UV Rating
In the last year, Saint Augustine, Illinois had an average UV rating of 5.3, placing it in the 85th percentile in the nation and the 96th percentile in Illinois. This high UV rating indicates that the area receives ample sunlight, making it an ideal location for solar energy production. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and Illinois’s average of 4.21, Saint Augustine’s UV rating is higher, highlighting the potential for increased solar energy output in the area. With an average max UV rating of 5.51, Saint Augustine’s sunny days can further contribute to efficient solar panel performance.
Saint Augustine’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 44% cloud cover in the last year, Saint Augustine, Illinois experiences moderate cloudiness. This level of cloud cover, which is in line with the national and state averages, indicates that residents can still benefit from consistent sunlight for solar energy production. With a distribution of cloud cover across various percentages throughout the year, residents can expect a balance of sunny and cloudy days, allowing for sustained solar panel output.
Saint Augustine Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Saint Augustine, Illinois enjoy competitive electricity costs, paying about $0.1/kw. This places Saint Augustine in the 6th percentile in the nation and the 4th percentile in Illinois for residential electricity pricing. Compared to the national average of $0.13/kw and Illinois’s average of $0.12/kw, Saint Augustine offers residents a cost-effective option for powering their homes with solar energy. By investing in solar panels, residents can further reduce their electricity bills and take advantage of the abundant sunlight in the area to save money in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Saint Augustine Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Saint Augustine 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:
- Saint Augustine Illinois gets more rain than the national average, but it still has plenty of sunlight for solar panels to work effectively.
- The UV ratings in Saint Augustine Illinois are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Saint Augustine Illinois is about average for the country, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Saint Augustine Illinois pay less for electricity compared to the national average, which makes the savings from solar power slightly lower.
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 thus lowering electricity costs.
- With Saint Augustine Illinois’ lower electricity rates, the savings are not as high as in areas with more expensive electricity.
After analyzing the data, it looks like it would take around 7 to 8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 7 to 8 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and cover the investment. And since solar panels have a long lifespan, you can enjoy those savings for many years beyond the break-even point. It’s a wise investment for both your finances and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Saint Augustine Illinois
Installing solar panels in Saint Augustine, Illinois can lead to significant savings on electricity bills due to the area’s abundance of sunlight. With higher than average UV ratings and moderate cloud cover, residents can expect efficient solar energy production throughout the year. Considering the lower electricity costs in the area, investing in solar panels can result in breaking even on the initial cost in approximately 7 to 8 years. This smart investment not only provides long-term financial benefits but also contributes to a sustainable environment for the future.