Overview
Are you tired of spending a significant amount on your monthly electricity bill in Shelbyville, Illinois? Have you considered the benefits of switching to solar panels for your home? In this article, we will explore the financial advantages of installing a solar system in Shelbyville by analyzing the local weather data and electricity costs. By breaking down the cost of a solar system and estimating the payback period, we will show you how investing in solar panels can lead to significant savings in the long run.
Shelbyville Illinois Weather Trends
Shelbyville Precipitation
Shelbyville Illinois received 42.91 inches of precipitation in the last year, placing it in the 33rd percentile nationally and the 40th percentile within Illinois. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Illinois’s average is 45.69 inches. With precipitation levels below the national average, Shelbyville’s climate offers favorable conditions for harnessing solar energy efficiently.
Shelbyville’s UV Rating
In the last year, Shelbyville Illinois had an average UV rating of 4.23, positioning it in the 55th percentile throughout the country and the 61st percentile within Illinois. The national average UV rating is 4.29, with Illinois’s average slightly lower at 4.21. Additionally, Shelbyville’s average max UV rating of 4.53 places it in the 46th percentile nationally and the 53rd percentile locally. These UV levels provide ample sunlight for optimal solar panel performance, making it a prime location for solar installation.
Shelbyville’s Cloud Cover
Shelbyville Illinois experienced an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, ranking at the 45th percentile nationally and the 40th percentile within the state. With the national average cloud cover at 44.46% and Illinois’s average at 44.03%, Shelbyville’s relatively clear skies make it ideal for solar energy generation. The distribution of days with varying cloud cover levels allows for consistent sunlight exposure necessary for solar panels to operate efficiently.
Shelbyville Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Shelbyville pay about $0.13 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, positioning the city in the 78th percentile nationwide and the 75th percentile within Illinois. Comparatively, the national average for residential electricity is also $0.13 per kilowatt-hour, while Illinois averages slightly lower at $0.12 per kilowatt-hour. With electricity costs in Shelbyville aligning with the national average, transitioning to solar power can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Shelbyville Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Shelbyville 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:
- Shelbyville Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a suitable place for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Shelbyville Illinois are close to the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Shelbyville Illinois is slightly lower than the national average, with varying levels throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Shelbyville Illinois pay the national average for electricity, making it an average cost compared to the rest of the country.
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 costs.
- Since electricity costs are average in Shelbyville Illinois, the savings will also be average compared to other locations.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 5-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Shelbyville Illinois. This means that after 5-6 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start adding up and paying off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels can last for 25-30 years, the long-term savings and benefits will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is not only financially beneficial but also environmentally friendly, making it a wise choice for residents of Shelbyville Illinois.
Investing in solar power in Shelbyville Illinois
Switching to solar panels in Shelbyville, Illinois can be a smart financial decision. By analyzing the local weather data and electricity costs, it is clear that Shelbyville offers favorable conditions for efficient solar energy generation. With average precipitation levels, ample sunlight exposure, and relatively low cloud cover, the city is an ideal location for solar installation. Additionally, with electricity costs aligning with the national average, investing in solar power can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills. Based on the analysis, it is estimated that it would take approximately 5-6 years to break even on the investment in solar panels. Beyond the break-even point, the savings and benefits of solar energy will continue for many years to come. Overall, transitioning to solar power not only saves money but also contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for Shelbyville, Illinois.