Solar Energy in Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre is located at 41.3°N, 75.9°W in United States. Here's what solar energy looks like for homeowners in this area.
Annual Irradiance
1,551
kWh/m²
Peak Sun Hours
3.7
hrs/day
4.5 kWp Output
6,003
kWh/year
Solar Score
75
/ 100
What does this mean for your roof?
Wilkes-Barre receives approximately 1,551 kWh/m² of solar irradiance per year, which translates to 3.7 peak sun hours per day. This is excellent for residential solar energy production.
With a solar score of 75/100, Wilkes-Barre ranks #5443 of 6008 cities in United States for solar potential in our atlas.
A typical 4.5 kWp residential solar system (10 panels) in Wilkes-Barre would produce approximately 6,003 kWh per year, sized for the average household in United States.
The best months for solar production in Wilkes-Barre are May – August, while the lowest production occurs during November – January. Being in the northern hemisphere, south-facing roofs capture the most annual sunlight.
Estimated savings in Wilkes-Barre
System Cost
$13,500
4.5 kWp, before incentives
Annual Savings
~$1,117
At $0.186/kWh
Payback Period
~12 years
Before local incentives
25-Year Net Result
~$22,207
Savings minus system cost
These are approximate figures based on a standardized household consumption of 5,000 kWh/year and an estimated electricity rate of $0.186/kWh in United States. Local incentives may reduce the upfront cost — check current subsidy, tax-credit, or VAT programs in United States, as these can meaningfully shorten the payback period.
Figures are estimates based on typical system assumptions and the latest available electricity-price and billing data for United States. Actual costs, tariffs, net-metering rules, and incentives vary by utility and change over time — confirm with a local installer or energy authority before making decisions.
How solar billing works in United States
Exported energy spins your meter back, offsetting what you draw later.
In United States, rooftop solar is often compensated through an arrangement that resembles net metering, where the electricity you send to the grid is typically credited against the electricity you draw from it. In many areas only the net difference at the end of a billing period is charged, so surplus generation in sunny months may help cover quieter ones. The exact crediting rules, billing windows, and any caps vary by region and utility and should be confirmed locally.
Solar incentives in United States
Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit
tax creditEstimateFederal income-tax credit for homeowners installing solar PV, calculated as a percentage of eligible system cost. The percentage and eligibility window are set by federal law and can change — check current terms and your own tax situation.
Net Metering (state-administered)
net meteringEstimateThere is no single national net-metering scheme; credit for exported solar electricity is set at the state and utility level and varies widely. Confirm the policy for your state and utility before estimating bill savings.
Incentives in the US combine a federal tax credit with state/utility-level programs that vary significantly by location. Figures should be verified against official sources for the specific state and tax year.
Get your exact numbers
Our calculator uses NASA satellite data for your precise location — not city-level estimates. Free, instant, no signup.
Solar tips for Wilkes-Barre homeowners
Face panels south
In the northern hemisphere, south-facing panels capture the most annual sunlight. East-west split systems also work well.
Optimal tilt angle
For Wilkes-Barre, the energy-optimal panel tilt is about 34° from horizontal.
Size your system right
For the average household in United States, a 4.5 kWp system (10 panels) covers most electricity needs. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate.
Check local incentives
Local incentives may reduce the upfront cost of residential solar — check current subsidy, tax-credit, and VAT programs with your energy authority in United States.
Gear to prepare for solar
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission.
Solar in other United States cities
Frequently asked questions about solar in Wilkes-Barre
How much do solar panels cost in Wilkes-Barre?
A typical 4.5 kWp residential solar system in Wilkes-Barre, United States costs approximately $13,500 before incentives — this is an estimate based on typical regional pricing. Local incentives such as subsidies, tax credits, or VAT exemptions may reduce the upfront cost; check current programs in United States.
How is exported solar energy credited under net metering in United States?
Under a net-metering-style arrangement, the energy your system exports to the grid in United States is typically credited against the energy you import, so you are often billed mainly on the net amount. How those credits are valued, whether they roll over, and how long they last can vary by region and utility, so it is best to confirm the current terms with a local installer or your energy provider.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Wilkes-Barre?
A 4.5 kWp solar system in Wilkes-Barre produces approximately 6,003 kWh per year, based on 3.7 peak sun hours per day and 1,551 kWh/m² annual irradiance.
What is the solar panel payback period in Wilkes-Barre?
Based on United States's electricity rate of $0.186/kWh, a 4.5 kWp system in Wilkes-Barre pays for itself in approximately 12 years before incentives. After that, the electricity it generates is essentially free for the remaining panel lifespan of 25+ years.
Which direction should solar panels face in Wilkes-Barre?
In Wilkes-Barre, panels should ideally face south since it's in the northern hemisphere. The optimal tilt angle is about 34° from horizontal.
How many solar panels do I need for my home in Wilkes-Barre?
A typical household in United States uses the equivalent of a 4.5 kWp system (10 panels). With 3.7 peak sun hours per day in Wilkes-Barre, this covers most electricity needs. Use our calculator for a personalized estimate.