Wilkes-Barre, PA Solar Panels: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Wilkes-Barre
If you live in Wilkes-Barre or the surrounding Luzerne County area and have noticed your electric bill climbing, you’re not imagining it. Pennsylvania electricity prices have increased 31% from 2020 to 2024, leaving many local homeowners searching for a more predictable way to power their homes. Solar energy offers a way to take control of those rising costs.
Here’s what local homeowners should know about solar panel installation in Wilkes-Barre, from how the process works to what to expect. To dig deeper, explore our guide on home solar panels.
PENNSYLVANIA by the Numbers
- 13th Most residential solar in the United States
- 68 Households have installed solar panels
- 4.4 Avg peak sun hours per day
- ~$74k Wilkes-Barre average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
See real solar costs for your Wilkes-Barre home. This calculator uses actual installation data from local neighborhoods like Kingston, Plains, Hanover Township, and Ashley.
Cost Breakdown
- System Cost: $26,082
- Price per Watt: $2.77
- Monthly Savings: $169
- Payback Period: 10.9 years
- 25-Year Savings: $74,057
Palmetto Reviews
"From the first meeting through the installation everyone involved was friendly and easy to work with."
"Palmetto did an excellent job!"
"I would recommend this company to anyone interested in solar panels."
Key Takeaways
- Wilkes-Barre electricity prices rose about 29% from 2021 to 2024.
- A typical Wilkes-Barre home could save around $74,000 over 25 years with solar.
- Leasing solar with LightReach means no upfront cost, since Palmetto owns the system.
Wilkes-Barre Electricity Prices
Pennsylvania electricity prices rose about 29% from 2021 to 2024, climbing from 13.8 to 17.8 cents per kWh.
Price of Energy: Pennsylvania vs National Average
| Year | PA Price (¢/kWh) | US Average (¢/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 13.8 | 16.0 |
| 2022 | 15.0 | |
| 2023 | 16.5 | |
| 2024 | 17.8 |
Wilkes-Barre Area Utility Providers
If you live in Wilkes-Barre or Luzerne County, PPL is your local electricity provider. In 2023, PPL customers paid about 19.5¢ per kWh, exceeding both the Pennsylvania state average and national average.
Pennsylvania Solar Incentives
If you’re going solar in Wilkes-Barre, several solar incentives in Pennsylvania can help lower your overall installation cost.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) | SREC | Earn one tradeable SREC for every 1,000 kWh generated. | Learn More |
| Pennsylvania Net Metering (1-to-1 Retail Rate) | Net Metering | Credit at the full retail rate for excess electricity sent to the grid. | Learn More |
| Pennsylvania Sustainable Energy Funds (SEF) | Rebate | Provides low-interest loans and grants for solar projects. | Learn More |
| Pennsylvania Sales Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems | Sales Tax Exemption | Exempt from the state’s 6% sales tax. | Learn More |
Wilkes-Barre Solar Irradiance
Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Solar Production in Wilkes-Barre by Month
Summer Production (July)
- 44.4 kWh/day
- Powers 3.0 average homes
- Keeps central AC running for 14 hours
Winter Production (December)
- 18.9 kWh/day
- Powers 1.3 average homes
- Keeps heating system running for 9 hours
Annual Production
- 12,108 kWh/year
Solar Panel Systems in Wilkes-Barre
Explore the number of solar installations across Wilkes-Barre.
Leasing Solar Panels
Palmetto offers a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) through LightReach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wilkes-Barre, PA have net metering?
- Yes, Wilkes-Barre has net metering.
Do solar panels increase your home value in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
- Yes, when you own your solar panels.
How much does it cost to go solar in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
- A cash purchase for an average home runs around $26,000.
What solar incentives are available in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
- See Pennsylvania solar incentives including SRECs and net metering.
Does solar make sense in Wilkes-Barre, PA?
- Yes, especially given PPL rates are around 19.5¢ per kWh.