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 typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Wilkes-Barre homeowner needs a 6.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,265 with the federal tax credit, or $24,689 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $12,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Wilkes-Barre, you can click the button below.
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
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Wilkes-Barre, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,550. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Wilkes-Barre, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Wilkes-Barre offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Wilkes-Barre, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- 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 National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 tough 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.