13 Best Solar Companies in Mason City, IA (2023 Reviews)

We analyzed over 1500 solar companies in the nation,
and have selected the top 13 in Mason City based on:

  • Customer review scores
  • Service area for Mason City, IA
  • Company policies and services offered
  • Accreditations and certifications

Average Mason City homeowner saves $1,799/year with solar panels

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Best Solar Companies in Mason City

Choosing the best solar panel installation company for your house is a big decision, but it's one that can pay off big in Mason City. Because Mason City has a great capacity for solar energy generation, going solar is financially rewarding for many homeowners.

There are lots of installers to consider, but in this article, we'll help you pin down your options by recommending some of the best solar companies in Mason City. To get an idea of what it could cost to install solar panels on your roof, you can click the button below to get a quote from a certified installer near you.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch Rankings for Solar Companies in Mason City

Best National Provider
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

5.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

SunPower

  • Pros icon Most efficient panels on the market
  • Pros icon National coverage
  • Pros icon Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Pros icon Great warranty coverage
  • Con icon Expensive
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://us.sunpower.com/
Best Warranty Coverage
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

4.0/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Sunpro Solar

  • Pros icon Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Pros icon Expansive service area
  • Con icon Some reported communication issues
  • Con icon No leases or PPAs

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Energy-Efficiency Upgrades

Website: https://www.gosunpro.com/
Best Technology
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.2/5

Average Cost

Read full review

Tesla Energy

  • Pros icon Price-match guarantee
  • Pros icon Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Pros icon Best solar battery on the market
  • Con icon Some reported issues with customer service
  • Con icon Customer service varies by local dealer

Services Offered

  • Service icon Solar Panels
  • Service icon Solar Batteries
  • Service icon EV Chargers
  • Service icon Solar Roof Shingles
  • Service icon System Monitoring

Website: https://www.tesla.com/energy
Best Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

SunRackSolar

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Integrated roofing
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.sunracksolar.com/
Address: Clear Lake, IA 50428
Phone: 5157200463
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Northwood Electric Inc.

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.northwood-electric.com/
Address: Northwood, IA 50459
Phone: 6413242041
Outstanding Local Installer
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EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Good Steward Consulting

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://www.goodstewardconsulting.com/
Address: Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: 5075520024
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Hayward Solar Project

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: https://haywardsolarproject.com/
Address: Albert Lea, MN 56007
Phone: 5073203142
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Austin Electric

  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Skilled repairs
  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.austinelectric.net/
Address: Austin, MN 55912
Phone: 5074348080
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

American Energy LLC

  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: http://www.americanenergysolar.com/
Address: Blooming Prairie, MN 55917
Phone: 5073831547
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Waverly Utilities

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.waverlyutilities.com/
Address: Waverly, IA 50677
Phone: 3195592000
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Energen Solar Group

  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://energensolargroup.com/
Address: Webster City, IA 50595
Phone: 5158358537
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

MiEnergy Cooperative

  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Pros icon Recognized Excellence
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations

Website: http://www.mienergy.coop/
Address: Cresco, IA 52136
Phone: 8004322285
Outstanding Local Installer
ecowatch badge icon

EcoWatch Rating

3.0/5

Midwest Solar Installers

  • Pros icon Family-Operated Business
  • Pros icon Free Quotes
  • Pros icon Clear Pricing Policy
  • Pros icon Outstanding Customer Support
  • Pros icon Informative Resources
  • Con icon Limited information available on website

Services Offered

  • Service icon Tailored solutions
  • Service icon Business installations
  • Service icon Expert panel installation
  • Service icon Energy storage solutions
  • Service icon Home installations
  • Service icon Integrated roofing

Website: https://www.midwestsolarinstallers.com/
Address: Cedar Falls, IA 50613
Phone: 3192431569

Methodology: How We Ranked the Best Solar Companies in Mason City

EcoWatch's solar experts analyzed each solar company in Mason City based on criteria such as its reputation in the industry, customer reviews, services, warranty coverage and financing. Using this solar methodology, we used the data we collected to rate and rank each company and narrow down our picks for the best solar companies in Mason City


Below are some the criteria we examined specifically for Iowa solar companies

  • Brand reputation and certifications (20%): We take each company's Better Business Bureau (BBB) score into consideration, as well as how long the installer has been in business (at least 5 years is required, 10 preferred) and what type of solar certifications it holds.
  • Customer reviews (20%): Trust is a top priority at EcoWatch, so we take customer experience under close consideration. We scour different review sites and customer testimonials when ranking our top solar companies, checking sites such as Trustpilot and Google Reviews. We also consider any potential complaints or lawsuits filed against these companies and award or remove points accordingly.
  • Warranty (20%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its contracts
  • Solar services (10%): All of the companies we review install solar panels, but we award companies higher points if they offer additional services for customers, like battery installation, energy-efficiency audits, and EV chargers.
  • Pricing and financing (10%): It's hard to get exact quotes for solar projects, but we use marketplace research to determine how each company prices its equipment and installation services. Additionally, companies that offer more help for panel financing — like in-house loans, leases, or PPAs — score higher than those that don't.
  • Availability (10%): The bigger the service area, the higher the company will score.
  • Transparency and accessibility (5%): Solar installers that offer free consultations and easy contact methods score higher in this category.
  • Environmental, social and corporate governance factors (5%): A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EOL) products or processes, and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.

The Cost and Benefits of Solar in Mason City

Although solar panels can save you a decent chunk of change on electricity bills over time, it's necessary to consider the upfront costs. Some main factors that influence how much it will cost to install a solar panel system on your home and how much money you could save over time are:

  • Where your home is: This influences how much sunlight your roof receives, which helps determine how many panels you need.
  • Incentives: Along with the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which lets you deduct 30% of your overall installation cost, your local government may offer additional tax exemptions, credits or rebates that will help you save even more. Aside from incentives, you can save an average of $21,000 over 20 years with your solar panels, too.
  • Your current electricity bills: Solar panels can noticeably reduce, or entirely eliminate, your utility bills. In Mason City, you can save an average of $182 a month.
  • Choice of solar panels: The type of solar panels you need will affect your total cost. High-efficiency monocrystalline panels will cost more upfront but can also lead to more savings over the lifetime of your system. If you don't need to maximize efficiency, you can go with a higher number of more affordable panels.

So is buying solar panels worth it? Whether you'd like to lower your energy bills, carbon dioxide emissions or both, solar panels are a worthwhile investment for many Mason City homeowners.

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Solar Incentives in Mason City

If you're considering switching to solar power, a variety of government incentives and tax credits can drastically lower the cost of the project and speed up the return on your investment. Local solar incentive programs depend on the location and, sometimes, utility company. Many states offer rebates for solar panels, in addition to the federal solar tax credit. You can find out about the incentives you can take advantage of in our article on solar incentives

Environmental Impact of Switching to Solar in Mason City

There are a few primary reasons why many people want to invest in solar energy: to put more money in their bank account and to help the planet. But — how much exactly can you help the environment by making the switch to solar? In a city like Mason City where energy use is particularly high, going solar is a fantastic plan for households who care about the planet. In Mason City, the average resident can reduce their carbon footprint by 90 pounds a year after going solar. The benefits of solar power are abundant — just like solar power is! That's why so many homeowners have been happy with making the switch to solar.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Warranty Coverage

Sunpro Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Industry-leading warranty coverage
  • Expansive service area
  • Some reported communication issues
  • No leases or PPAs

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • Price-match guarantee
  • Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
  • Best solar battery on the market
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

EcoWatch's Mason City, IA Solar Company Rankings FAQs

What is the top solar company in Mason City?

The top local solar company in Mason City is Rabe Hardware - Vinton Showroom, with a rating of 5.00 stars.

Are solar panels actually environmentally friendly?

Manufacturing solar panels requires chemicals and produces toxic waste that can be harmful for the environment, which is the main drawback of solar panels.

How long does it take to see a return on your investment after getting solar panels?

The average payback period for solar panel installation is about 8.6 years, but the exact period depends on the cost of electricity where you are, incentives and net metering programs.

How much solar panel capacity do I need for my house?

Solar panel capacity is the amount of energy the panels can produce under ideal conditions (a sunny day around noon). The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.