Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mason City, IA (Mar 2023)
- Mason City Solar Installation Cost: $18,847
- 25-Year Savings: $35,809
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mason City
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Mason City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Mason City generally cost about 2.77. Using this figure, a typical 9.7-kW system would cost about $18,847 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $21,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mason City find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Mason City for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Mason City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,661 |
| 3 years | $-12,288 |
| 5 years | $-7,916 |
| 7 years | $-3,543 |
| 9 years | $829 |
| 11 years | $5,201 |
| 13 years | $9,574 |
| 15 years | $13,946 |
| 17 years | $18,319 |
| 19 years | $22,691 |
| 21 years | $27,064 |
| 23 years | $31,436 |
| 25 years | $35,809 |
Top Solar Installers in Mason City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Mason City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mason City
Although the average cost of a solar system in Mason City is $18,847, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Mason City. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Mason City, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Mason City are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $21,639 | 9.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $29,162 | 8.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $36,840 | 8.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $44,673 | 8.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $52,662 | 8.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $60,805 | 8.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $69,104 | 7.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $77,558 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, including:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Mason City, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Mason City?
The average cost of solar panels in Mason City is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Mason City?
A solar panel system isn't free in Mason City, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mason City, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get 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.