Overview
Are you tired of high electricity bills in West Frankfort, Illinois? Consider installing solar panels on your home to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. By analyzing the weather data for the area, we can show you how much sunlight your home receives throughout the year, leading to significant savings on your energy costs. In this article, we will break down the cost of a solar system, estimate how long it will take to break even, and highlight the financial benefits of going solar in West Frankfort.
West Frankfort Illinois Weather Trends
West Frankfort Precipitation
In the last year, West Frankfort Illinois received 54.68 inches of precipitation, placing it in the 58th percentile in the nation and the 89th percentile in Illinois. Comparatively, the national average for total precipitation is 50.61 inches, while Illinois averages 45.69 inches annually. With slightly above-average precipitation levels, West Frankfort is well-positioned to benefit from solar energy.
West Frankfort’s UV Rating
Over the past year, West Frankfort Illinois had an average UV rating of 4.58, ranking it in the 67th percentile nationally and the 91st percentile within Illinois. In comparison, the national average UV rating is 4.29, while Illinois averages 4.21. Additionally, West Frankfort had an average max UV rating of 4.97, placing it in the 56th percentile in the nation and the 84th percentile in Illinois. These above-average UV levels make West Frankfort an ideal location for solar panel installation.
West Frankfort’s Cloud Cover
With an average of 40% cloud cover in the last year, West Frankfort Illinois ranks in the 26th percentile nationally and the 6th percentile within Illinois. The national average for cloud cover is 44.46%, while Illinois averages 44.03%. West Frankfort experienced varied cloud cover, with 139 days of clear skies (0-25% cloud cover), 98 days of partial cloudiness (25-50% cloud cover), 76 days of moderate cloud cover (50-75% cloud cover), and 51 days of overcast conditions (75-100% cloud cover). These favorable conditions make solar energy a practical choice for West Frankfort residents.
West Frankfort Illinois Electricity Costs
West Frankfort residents pay approximately $0.1/kw for electricity, positioning the city in the 6th percentile in the nation and the 4th percentile in Illinois in terms of residential electricity costs. Comparatively, the national average for electricity is $0.13/kw, while Illinois averages $0.12/kw. With lower-than-average electricity costs, investing in solar panels can yield substantial financial benefits for West Frankfort homeowners over time.
When could you expect to break even on a solar installation in West Frankfort Illinois?
Considering the weather and electricity costs in West Frankfort 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:
- West Frankfort Illinois gets slightly more rain than the national average, but it still has a good amount of sunshine for effective solar panel operation.
- The UV ratings in West Frankfort Illinois are above the national average, making it a good location for generating solar power.
- Cloud cover in West Frankfort Illinois is slightly below the national average, with some variation throughout the year.
Now, let’s consider the electricity costs:
- Residents in West Frankfort Illinois pay 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 system generates electricity, reducing the need to buy as much from the grid.
- With West Frankfort Illinois’ lower electricity rates, the savings are still significant.
After analyzing the numbers, it appears that it would take around 7 years to cover the initial cost of the solar panels in West Frankfort Illinois. This means that after 7 years, the money saved on electricity bills will begin to accumulate and pay off the investment. Since solar panels have a long lifespan, you can enjoy those savings for many years to come after that initial period. It’s a wise decision to save money and contribute to environmental conservation simultaneously!
Investing in solar power in West Frankfort Illinois
Considering the favorable weather conditions, lower-than-average electricity costs, and the potential for significant savings, installing solar panels in West Frankfort, Illinois can be a wise investment. With the ability to break even on the initial cost in approximately 7 years and enjoy long-term financial benefits, switching to solar energy is not only a smart financial decision but also a step towards reducing your carbon footprint. Take advantage of the sunlight and start saving money on your electricity bills today by going solar in West Frankfort.