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
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Average Mason City homeowner saves $1,799/year with solar panels
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
Average Cost
SunPower
-
Most efficient panels on the market - National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
-
Expensive - Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
-
Solar Panels - Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- System Monitoring
Average Cost
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Average Cost
Tesla Energy
- 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
Services Offered
- Solar Panels
- Solar Batteries
- EV Chargers
- Solar Roof Shingles
- System Monitoring
SunRackSolar
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Integrated roofing
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Northwood Electric Inc.
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Good Steward Consulting
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Hayward Solar Project
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Energy storage solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
Austin Electric
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Skilled repairs
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
American Energy LLC
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
Waverly Utilities
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Recognized Excellence
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Home installations
Energen Solar Group
- Free Quotes
- Informative Resources
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Expert panel installation
- Home installations
MiEnergy Cooperative
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Recognized Excellence
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
Midwest Solar Installers
- Family-Operated Business
- Free Quotes
- Clear Pricing Policy
- Outstanding Customer Support
- Informative Resources
- Limited information available on website
Services Offered
- Tailored solutions
- Business installations
- Expert panel installation
- Energy storage solutions
- Home installations
- Integrated roofing
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.
Solar Savings Calculator for {{ solarcalc.name }}
For an idea of both how much you could save and help protect the environment by installing solar panels, you can play around with the calculator below. You can also view our solar panel cost guide for Mason City, IA.
| {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} -year savings | {{ solarcalc.total_savings()|currency }} |
| Estimated cost | {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }} |
| Estimated incentives | {{ solarcalc.incentive_savings() | currency }} |
| Payback period | {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years |
| CO2 emissions prevented | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()|number:0 }} lbs |
| Miles driven equivalent | {{ solarcalc.CO2_total()/0.78|number:0 }} mi |
Switching to solar in {{ solarcalc.name }} can save you {{ solarcalc.total_savings() | currency }} over the course of {{ solarcalc.time_period|number:0 }} years. This means that with an average cost of {{ solarcalc.array_cost() | currency }}, it would take {{ solarcalc.payback_period()|number:1 }} years to recover the cost of of your solar array.
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 Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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.