Overview
Are you looking to save money on your electricity bill while also helping the environment? Installing solar panels on your home in Smithfield, Illinois could be the answer you’ve been looking for. By analyzing weather data specific to Smithfield, such as inches of precipitation, average UV rating, and cloud cover, along with basic electricity costs, we can show you just how much you can save over time with a solar system. We’ll break down the costs of installation and estimate how long it will take for you to break even. Get ready to start saving money and reducing your carbon footprint by going solar in Smithfield.
Smithfield Illinois Weather Trends
Smithfield Precipitation
With Smithfield Illinois receiving 67.47 inches of precipitation in the last year, it’s important to note that this puts the city in the 85th percentile in the nation and the 98th percentile in Illinois. Compared to the national average of 50.61 inches and Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches, Smithfield has a significant advantage in terms of precipitation levels. By harnessing the power of solar energy, you can take advantage of this abundance of rainfall to generate even more electricity for your home.
Smithfield’s UV Rating
Smithfield Illinois had an impressive average UV rating of 6.51 in the last year, putting the city in the 99th percentile both nationally and within the state. Compared to the national average of 4.29 and Illinois’s average of 4.21, Smithfield boasts excellent conditions for solar energy production. With a high average max UV rating of 6.4, you can maximize your solar panel efficiency and generate more clean energy for your home.
Smithfield’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 44% cloud cover in the last year, Smithfield Illinois is in the middle of the pack nationally and slightly below average within the state. However, with 46 days of clear skies and 199 days with moderate cloud cover, there are still plenty of opportunities to generate solar energy for your home. By installing solar panels, you can capitalize on the days with minimal cloud cover and reduce your reliance on traditional grid electricity.
Smithfield Illinois Electricity Costs
Smithfield Illinois residents pay about $0.1/kw for electricity, making it one of the most affordable areas in the nation and the state. With the national average for residential electricity at $0.13/kw and Illinois’s average at $0.12/kw, Smithfield offers significant cost savings for homeowners looking to switch to solar energy. By investing in solar panels, you can further reduce your electricity bills and lock in lower energy costs for years to come.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Smithfield Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Smithfield 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:
- Smithfield Illinois receives more precipitation than the national average, but it still has enough sunlight for solar panels to be effective.
- The UV ratings in Smithfield Illinois are higher than the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- The average cloud cover in Smithfield Illinois is in line with the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Smithfield Illinois pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average.
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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid and saving on electricity costs.
- With the relatively lower electricity rates in Smithfield Illinois, the savings from using solar power are still significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 4-6 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after this period, the savings on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the initial investment. Keep in mind that solar panels have a long lifespan, so beyond that initial period, you will continue to enjoy savings for many more years. Investing in solar power is a wise financial decision with long-term benefits, both for your wallet and the environment!
Investing in solar power in Smithfield Illinois
Installing solar panels in Smithfield, Illinois can be a worthwhile investment that not only helps you save money but also reduces your carbon footprint. With abundant rainfall, high UV ratings, and moderate cloud cover, Smithfield offers ideal conditions for solar energy production. Residents in Smithfield also benefit from lower electricity costs compared to the national average. By analyzing the data, we estimate that it would take approximately 4-6 years to break even on the initial cost of solar panels. Beyond that, you can enjoy significant savings on your electricity bills for many years to come. Switching to solar power is a smart financial choice that provides long-lasting benefits for both you and the environment!