Overview
Living in Sheldon Illinois, you have likely experienced the fluctuating costs of electricity, especially during extreme weather conditions. By considering installing solar panels on your home, you have the opportunity to take control of your energy bills and potentially save money in the long run. By analyzing the weather data specific to our area, along with the cost breakdown of a solar system, this article will show you how investing in solar panels can lead to financial benefits and a quicker return on your money.
Sheldon Illinois Weather Trends
Sheldon Precipitation
Living in Sheldon Illinois, you may have noticed the 44.39 inches of precipitation we received last year. This amount puts us in the 55th percentile in Illinois and the 37th percentile nationally. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches, our area experiences slightly less rainfall, making it an ideal location for solar panel installation. Investing in solar panels can help you take advantage of the sunlight we do receive to generate clean energy for your home.
Sheldon’s UV Rating
With an average UV rating of 3.95, Sheldon Illinois falls in the 29th percentile in the state and the 43rd percentile in the country. The national average for UV rating is 4.29, while Illinois’s is 4.21. Additionally, the average max UV rating in Sheldon is 4.32, placing us in the 38th percentile in Illinois and the 41st percentile nationally. This means that our area receives a sufficient amount of sunlight, making it a suitable location for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently.
Sheldon’s Cloud Cover
Last year, Sheldon Illinois had an average cloud cover of 45%, ranking us in the 67th percentile in Illinois and the 56th percentile in the nation. Compared to the national average of 44.46% and Illinois’s average of 44.03%, our area experiences moderate cloudiness. With a mix of clear and cloudy days, installing solar panels on your home can still be a viable option to harness the sun’s energy and reduce your reliance on the grid.
Sheldon Illinois Electricity Costs
Sheldon Illinois residents pay around $0.12 per kilowatt-hour for electricity, positioning us in the 28th percentile in the state and the 54th percentile nationally. The national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Illinois’s average is also $0.12/kw. By investing in solar panels, you can offset some of these costs by generating your own clean energy and potentially saving money on your electricity bills in the long run.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Sheldon Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Sheldon 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:
- Sheldon Illinois receives slightly less rain than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Sheldon Illinois are slightly lower than the national average, but still suitable for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Sheldon Illinois is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Sheldon Illinois pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, making it an even better choice for investing in solar power.
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, especially with lower electricity costs in Sheldon Illinois.
After crunching the numbers, it looks like it would take around 6-7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. That means, after 6-7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to pay off the investment. And since solar panels last for 25-30 years, you’ll continue to enjoy those savings for a long time. It’s a wise investment that not only saves you money but also helps the environment in the long run!
Investing in solar power in Sheldon Illinois
After analyzing the weather trends specific to Sheldon Illinois and the electricity costs in the area, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant financial benefits. With the ideal amount of sunlight and slightly lower rainfall, Sheldon is a suitable location for solar panel installation to generate clean energy. By offsetting some electricity costs and potentially saving money in the long run, the initial investment in solar panels can be recouped within 6-7 years. This wise investment not only benefits your wallet but also contributes to a cleaner environment for years to come.