Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mason City, IA (2024 Update)
- Mason City Solar Installation Cost: $27,284
- 25-Year Savings: $35,809
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mason City
Let’s take 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 around 4.Because a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Mason City, the average price of going solar will be about $27,284 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Mason City that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Mason City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,567 |
| 3 years | $-22,134 |
| 5 years | $-18,701 |
| 7 years | $-15,268 |
| 9 years | $-11,835 |
| 11 years | $-8,402 |
| 13 years | $-4,969 |
| 15 years | $-1,536 |
| 17 years | $1,897 |
| 19 years | $5,330 |
| 21 years | $8,763 |
| 23 years | $12,196 |
| 25 years | $15,629 |
Top Solar Installers in Mason City
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and know-how. That's why almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Mason City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mason City
The cost of installing a solar system in Mason City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 pay about $4,010 per kilowatt in Mason City.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Mason City have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Mason City homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Mason City, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.17 | $17,516 | $16,222 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $22,079 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $28,160 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $34,465 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $40,996 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $47,750 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $54,730 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $61,934 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system’s energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
EcoWatch's Mason City, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mason City?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Mason City?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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.