Best 5 Solar Companies in Wilkes-Barre, PA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Wilkes-Barre

The more comprehensive your company research is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately operate. Make your choice based on the following crucial aspects.

Licensing and Training

There are no state-level contracting licenses issued in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, so each city or county can set its own requirements and regulations. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most credible trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Wilkes-Barre

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can improve your solar system's performance. Not every solar company includes these add-ons, so look for a provider that installs them if it's crucial for you.

You can expect to pay about $17,750 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Wilkes-Barre. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Wilkes-Barre solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Wilkes-Barre

There are various ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We suggest making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, like an electric bill. We usually don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the solar system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each provider you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A team member can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Wilkes-Barre.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.