Overview
In Waukegan, Illinois, installing solar panels on your home can lead to substantial financial savings. By analyzing weather data and electricity costs specific to the area, we can see that the abundant sunshine, along with low precipitation and cloud cover, make Waukegan an ideal location for solar power. With the cost of a solar system broken down and the estimated time for breaking even calculated, it is clear that investing in solar energy can provide long-term financial benefits for residents in Waukegan.
Waukegan Illinois Weather Trends
Waukegan Precipitation
With Waukegan receiving 43.37 inches of precipitation in the last year, it is evident that our city is drier than most places in the nation. Comparing to Illinois and the rest of the country, Waukegan falls in the 45th percentile in the state and 34th percentile in the nation. The lower precipitation levels make Waukegan an ideal location for solar power as less rain means more sunshine for your solar panels to harness.
Waukegan’s UV Rating
Waukegan’s average UV rating of 3.51 in the last year places it in the 19th percentile in the nation but only the 1st percentile in Illinois. This means that compared to the rest of the country and the state, Waukegan experiences lower levels of ultraviolet radiation. Installing solar panels in Waukegan can be even more effective, as less UV radiation means your panels are less likely to degrade over time.
Waukegan’s Cloud Cover
With an average cloud cover of 47% in the last year, Waukegan ranks in the 65th percentile in the nation and the 88th percentile in Illinois. This indicates that Waukegan experiences more cloudy days compared to the rest of the state and country. However, despite some cloud cover, the overall sunny days in Waukegan make it a suitable location for solar panel installation.
Waukegan Illinois Electricity Costs
Residents in Waukegan pay approximately $0.13/kw for electricity, placing the city in the 77th percentile in the nation and the 71st percentile in Illinois. While this may be slightly higher than the state average, investing in solar panels can help reduce your reliance on traditional electricity sources, ultimately leading to long-term savings on your energy bills. By harnessing the abundant sunshine in Waukegan, you can lower your electricity costs and contribute to a greener environment.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in Waukegan Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in Waukegan, 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:
- Waukegan gets slightly less rain than the national average, which is good for solar panel efficiency.
- The UV ratings in Waukegan are lower than the national average, but still sufficient for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in Waukegan is slightly higher than the national average, but there are still many days with good sunlight.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in Waukegan pay the same as 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 solar system generates electricity, reducing the amount needed from the grid.
- Given the average electricity costs in Waukegan, the savings from using solar power will be significant.
After analyzing the data, it appears 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 begin to offset the investment. Additionally, since solar panels have a long lifespan, the savings will continue for many years beyond the break-even point. Investing in solar power is a smart way to save money and contribute to a cleaner environment for the future!
Investing in solar power in Waukegan Illinois
Considering the favorable weather conditions in Waukegan, Illinois, along with the slightly higher than average electricity costs, installing solar panels can lead to significant long-term financial benefits for residents. With the estimated break-even point for a standard solar system calculated to be around 5 years, the investment in solar energy is a wise choice for those looking to save money on their electricity bills and contribute to a greener environment. By harnessing the abundant sunshine in Waukegan, residents can not only reduce their reliance on traditional electricity sources but also enjoy the savings for years to come.