Overview
Are you a Washington Illinois resident looking to save money on your electricity bill? Installing solar panels on your home could be the answer you’ve been looking for. By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to Washington Illinois, we can estimate how long it would take for you to break even on the cost of a solar system. With the financial benefits in mind, let’s explore how going solar can help you save money in the long run.
Washington Illinois Weather Trends
Washington Precipitation
With Washington Illinois receiving 40.35 inches of precipitation in the last year, it falls below both the national and state averages. Comparatively, the national average is 50.61 inches, while Illinois’s average is 45.69 inches. By having less precipitation, Washington residents can expect more sunny days ideal for solar energy production.
Washington’s UV Rating
Washington Illinois boasted an average UV rating of 4.3 in the last year, ranking higher than both the national and state averages. The national average for UV rating stands at 4.29, while Illinois’s average is 4.21. With an average max UV rating of 4.63, Washington residents can benefit from ample sunlight for efficient solar panel operation.
Washington’s Cloud Cover
Despite having an average of 43% cloud cover in the last year, Washington Illinois still falls within the average range compared to the national and state statistics. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, with Illinois averaging at 44.03%. With a varied distribution of cloud cover days, residents can count on a mix of sunny and cloudy days for consistent solar energy production.
Washington Illinois Electricity Costs
Washington Illinois residents enjoy a lower electricity cost of about $0.1/kw, positioning them below both the national and state averages. The national average for residential electricity is $0.13/kw, while Illinois’s average is $0.12/kw. By harnessing the abundant sunlight and lower electricity costs, investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Washington Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Washington, 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:
- Washington, Illinois receives slightly less precipitation than the national average, making it a good location for solar panels.
- The UV ratings in Washington, Illinois are very close to the national average, indicating good conditions for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Washington, Illinois is slightly lower than the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Washington, Illinois pay slightly less for electricity compared to the national average, which is great for maximizing savings with 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 to be purchased from the grid.
- With Washington, Illinois’s lower electricity rates, the savings are still significant.
After calculating the numbers, it seems that it would take approximately 5 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels. This means that after 5 years, the money saved on electricity bills will start to accumulate and pay off the investment. Additionally, since solar panels last for a long time, you will continue to enjoy those savings for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is not only a smart financial decision but also a great way to contribute to a cleaner environment!
Investing in solar power in Washington Illinois
By analyzing the weather data and electricity costs specific to Washington Illinois, it is clear that investing in solar panels can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills. With the potential to break even on the initial cost of a solar system in approximately 5 years, residents can enjoy reduced electricity expenses for many years to come. Not only is going solar a wise financial decision, but it also provides a way to contribute to a cleaner environment. So, if you’re looking to save money and make a positive impact, considering solar panels for your home in Washington Illinois could be the answer!