Overview
In Steger, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to significant savings on your electricity bill. By analyzing data on weather patterns and electricity costs, we will show you how a solar system can help you break even in a relatively short amount of time. Let us break down the financial benefits of going solar in Steger and how it can positively impact your wallet in the long run.
Steger Illinois Weather Trends
Steger Precipitation
With 44.54 inches of precipitation in the last year, Steger Illinois falls slightly below the national average of 50.61 inches but is higher than Illinois’s average of 45.69 inches. Despite this, Steger is in a good position for solar energy due to its manageable rainfall levels.
Steger’s UV Rating
Steger Illinois’s average UV rating of 3.91 places it below the national average of 4.29 and Illinois’s average of 4.21. However, the max UV rating of 4.19 indicates sunny days that can benefit solar panel efficiency. Even with medium UV levels, solar energy is still a viable option in Steger.
Steger’s Cloud Cover
Steger Illinois’s average cloud cover of 46% is slightly higher than the national and state averages. However, with a significant number of days having lower cloud cover percentages, there is plenty of sunlight available for solar panels to generate electricity efficiently. Cloud cover should not deter Steger residents from considering solar power.
Steger Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents of Steger pay about $0.13/kw for electricity, slightly higher than the national average but on par with Illinois’s average. While the cost may be higher than in some areas, installing solar panels can significantly reduce or eliminate this expense over time, making it a smart financial decision for Steger homeowners.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Steger Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Steger 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:
- Steger Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Steger Illinois are slightly lower than the national average but are still sufficient for generating solar power.
- The cloud cover in Steger Illinois is around the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Steger Illinois pay around 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 and resulting in savings on electricity bills.
- With the average electricity costs in Steger Illinois, the savings may accumulate more gradually compared to areas with higher rates.
After analyzing the data, it appears that it would take approximately 7-8 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in Steger Illinois. This means that after 7-8 years, the savings on electricity bills will begin to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the investment will continue to yield savings for many years beyond the payback period. Installing solar panels is a financially sound decision that not only saves money in the long run but also benefits the environment.
Investing in solar power in Steger Illinois
Installing solar panels in Steger, Illinois, is a smart financial decision that can lead to significant savings on electricity bills over time. By analyzing the weather trends and electricity costs in the area, we have determined that residents can expect to break even on their solar system investment in approximately 7-8 years. Despite slightly lower UV ratings and higher cloud cover percentages, Steger is still a good location for solar energy due to manageable rainfall levels. Not only will solar panels help homeowners save money, but they will also contribute to a greener environment. Considering the long lifespan of solar panels, the benefits of going solar in Steger extend far beyond the initial payback period. Investing in solar power is a win-win situation for both your wallet and the planet.