Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mason City, IA (2023 Update)
- Mason City Solar Installation Cost: $18,847
- 25-Year Savings: $35,809
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mason City
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Mason City.
In Mason City, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. Because a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Mason City, the average price of going solar will be about $18,847 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the large initial cost, the average Mason City homeowner can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Mason City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,665 |
| 3 years | $-18,300 |
| 5 years | $-17,936 |
| 7 years | $-17,572 |
| 9 years | $-17,207 |
| 11 years | $-16,843 |
| 13 years | $-16,479 |
| 15 years | $-16,114 |
| 17 years | $-15,750 |
| 19 years | $-15,385 |
| 21 years | $-15,021 |
| 23 years | $-14,657 |
| 25 years | $-14,292 |
Top Solar Installers in Mason City
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment you need.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Mason City:
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
See all of the solar companies in Mason City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mason City
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Mason City is $18,847, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Mason City, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Mason City homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Mason City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much it costs. Mason City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before deciding.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mason City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Mason City have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.