Solar Guide
In This Guide
Solar in Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre homeowners are turning to solar energy as electricity costs continue climbing. With Pennsylvania ranking 13th for residential solar installations nationwide, local residents are discovering how solar panels for home use can create meaningful energy savings.
Making the switch to solar doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through everything Wilkes-Barre homeowners should know about solar installation in straightforward, easy-to-understand terms.
PENNSYLVANIA by the Numbers
Key Takeaways
- Pennsylvania ranks 6th nationally for residential solar with over 159,000 households already making the switch to clean energy.
- Wilkes-Barre homeowners save an average of $61,000 over 25 years with solar panels and federal tax credits.
- Solar systems in Pennsylvania earn ongoing income through SRECs, typically generating $200-400 annually for homeowners.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Wilkes-Barre neighborhoods including Kingston, Hanover Township, and Plains Township. Get personalized estimates based on actual local projects, helping you understand true solar costs in your area with transparent, community-specific pricing information.
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Cost
Savings
Wilkes-Barre Electricity Prices
Understanding electricity costs in Wilkes-Barre helps homeowners make informed decisions about their energy future and potential savings.
Pennsylvania electricity rates jumped from 13.8 cents per kWh in 2021 to 18.1 cents in 2023, outpacing national averages significantly.
Solar panels generate electricity at a fixed cost, protecting homeowners from these unpredictable utility rate increases over time.
Over 25 years, solar systems can shield families from decades of rising electricity costs while reducing environmental impact.
Price of Energy: Pennsylvania vs National Average
Wilkes-Barre Area Utility Providers
Wilkes-Barre residents receive electricity from three main utilities: Met-Ed, Penelec, and PPL Electric. Based on 2023 data, these providers charge between 17.2¢ and 19.5¢ per kilowatt-hour for residential service.
All three Wilkes-Barre utility companies charge above the 2023 national average of 16.0¢ per kWh. However, local rates remain close to Pennsylvania’s state average of 18.10¢ per kWh.
Higher electricity rates mean Wilkes-Barre homeowners pay more for daily energy use. Solar panels can help offset these costs by generating clean electricity directly from your rooftop.
Wilkes-Barre Utilities Electricity Rates
Pennsylvania Solar Incentives
Wilkes-Barre homeowners can significantly reduce solar installation costs through available solar incentives in Pennsylvania at state and federal levels.
Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) provide ongoing income by paying homeowners for clean energy their systems generate, typically earning $200-400 annually for Pennsylvania residents.
Net metering allows homeowners to receive full retail credit for excess electricity their solar panels send back to the grid.
$6,590
Average savings in Pennsylvania solar rebates
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
| Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) | State program | Roughly $200-400 per year in savings for a typical PA owner. Earn one SREC per 1,000 kWh generated. Typical home system produces 5-10 SRECs annually. Market prices vary based on supply/demand. | Learn More |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
Pennsylvania’s Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) program allows homeowners with solar panels to earn money for the clean electricity they generate. For every 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of solar electricity your system produces, you earn one SREC that can be sold on the open market. This means a typical Pennsylvania home solar system generates about 10 SRECs per year, providing an ongoing income stream from your solar investment.
As of January 2025, each SREC sells for approximately $31.25, though prices fluctuate based on market conditions. SRECs have a three-year lifespan, so credits earned in 2025 can be sold anytime through 2027. To participate, you must own your solar system (not lease it) and register with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s Alternative Energy Credit Program. Your system must also be registered on the Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) trading platform. Pennsylvania SRECs can be sold in both Pennsylvania and Ohio markets, giving you flexibility in finding buyers.
Net metering in Pennsylvania allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. When your solar system produces more power than your home uses, that extra energy flows to the electric grid and you receive a 1:1 credit on your electric bill – meaning you get full retail rate credit for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you contribute. This credit system is available across all major Pennsylvania utilities including PECO, Duquesne, PPL Electric, and others.
The financial benefit varies by utility company, with excess credits typically valued between 8-12 cents per kWh when cashed out annually. Your monthly credits can roll over throughout the year, but each utility conducts an annual “true-up” period (usually in May or June) where any remaining excess credits are paid out at the wholesale electricity rate and your account resets to zero. For example, PECO customers receive about 8-9 cents per kWh for excess credits during their May billing cycle, while PPL Electric customers receive 10-12 cents per kWh during their June true-up period.
This program is automatically available to solar customers through their utility company – no separate application is required. The key consideration for homeowners is timing: since excess credits are cashed out annually at wholesale rates (which are lower than retail rates), it’s most beneficial to size your solar system to closely match your annual electricity usage rather than significantly overproducing.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Pennsylvania incentives.
Get a Free QuoteWilkes-Barre Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Wilkes-Barre’s continental climate brings seasonal solar variations, with winter snow and cloud cover reducing production. However, proper system design maximizes Pennsylvania’s solar potential year-round.
Solar Production in Wilkes-Barre by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Installations in Wilkes-Barre
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to help you discover which Wilkes-Barre neighborhoods have embraced clean energy. Click any hexagon to see how many of your neighbors have made the switch to solar power!
Leasing Solar Panels
Wilkes-Barre homeowners have access to Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through PPL Electric Utilities, providing an affordable way to go solar without the large upfront investment. With a PPA, you pay for the power your solar panels generate at a set rate per kilowatt-hour rather than purchasing the system outright.
PPAs offer several advantages over cash purchases, including no maintenance responsibilities since Palmetto handles all system upkeep and repairs. You start saving on electricity costs immediately without waiting to recoup an initial investment, and there’s no need to worry about equipment warranties or performance monitoring.
This financing option makes solar accessible to more Wilkes-Barre families by eliminating the barrier of high upfront costs. Learn more about solar financing options or explore our LightReach program for additional flexible solar solutions.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes sense in Wilkes-Barre. Pennsylvania ranks 6th nationally for residential solar installations, with over 159,000 households already using solar power. Local electricity rates of 17.8¢/kWh are above the national average, making solar savings more attractive.
Wilkes-Barre homeowners typically save around $61,000 over 25 years with solar panels. The combination of federal tax credits, Pennsylvania’s SREC program, and net metering creates strong financial benefits for local families considering clean energy.
Yes, Wilkes-Barre has net metering. All major Pennsylvania utilities serving the area, including PPL Electric, Met-Ed, and Penelec, offer 1:1 net metering. This means you receive full retail credit for excess electricity your solar panels send back to the grid.
Excess credits roll over monthly and are cashed out annually at wholesale rates (typically 8-12 cents per kWh) during your utility’s true-up period in May or June. This system helps maximize your solar savings throughout the year.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Wilkes-Barre, PA. A Zillow study shows solar panels increase home value by 4.1% on average, which translates to approximately $7,380 for a median-priced Wilkes-Barre home valued at $180,000.
Solar panels represent a permanent home improvement that reduces electricity costs for future owners. In Pennsylvania’s competitive real estate market, homes with solar systems often sell faster and command premium prices compared to similar properties without clean energy features.
Solar installation costs in Wilkes-Barre range from $11,774 to $20,190 after the federal tax credit, depending on your home size and energy needs. A typical medium-sized home requires a 7.79 kW system costing approximately $15,376 after incentives.
The 30% federal tax credit reduces upfront costs significantly, while Pennsylvania’s SREC program provides ongoing income of $200-400 annually. Most Wilkes-Barre homeowners see payback periods of 8-8.4 years with total 25-year savings around $61,000.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Wilkes-Barre. With local electricity rates at 17.8¢/kWh above the national average, homeowners typically save $61,000 over 25 years after the federal tax credit reduces upfront costs by 30%.
Pennsylvania’s SREC program provides additional income of $200-400 annually, while net metering credits excess power at full retail rates. Most systems pay for themselves within 8 years through electricity savings.
We are the best solar company serving Wilkes-Barre. As a national company with local expertise, we’ve completed over 2,131 installations across Pennsylvania since 2020, giving us deep understanding of local conditions and requirements.
We offer some of the industry’s best financing options and maintain an extensive network of certified installers throughout the region. Our comprehensive approach combines competitive pricing, quality equipment, and reliable service to deliver exceptional value for Wilkes-Barre homeowners.