Solar Panel Cost Guide in Wilkes-Barre, PA (2024 Update)
- Wilkes-Barre Solar Installation Cost: $17,265
- 25-Year Savings: $8,807
- Payback Period: 20.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Wilkes-Barre
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Wilkes-Barre.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Wilkes-Barre, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Wilkes-Barre, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,265, or $24,689 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $12,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Wilkes-Barre
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,934 |
| 3 years | $-13,273 |
| 5 years | $-10,612 |
| 7 years | $-7,951 |
| 9 years | $-5,290 |
| 11 years | $-2,629 |
| 13 years | $32 |
| 15 years | $2,693 |
| 17 years | $5,355 |
| 19 years | $8,016 |
| 21 years | $10,677 |
| 23 years | $13,338 |
| 25 years | $15,999 |
Top Solar Installers in Wilkes-Barre
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Wilkes-Barre:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Wilkes-Barre
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Wilkes-Barre
The cost of installing a solar system in Wilkes-Barre can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Wilkes-Barre, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $2,809 | 21.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $4,143 | 20.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,676 | 20.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $7,408 | 19.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $9,338 | 19.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $11,467 | 19.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $13,795 | 18.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $16,322 | 18.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Wilkes-Barre, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Wilkes-Barre, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Wilkes-Barre?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $610.52 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.