Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mason, MI (2024 Update)

  • Mason Solar Installation Cost: $17,543
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,263
  • Payback Period: 14.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mason

We go over average solar pricing in Mason.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Mason, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Mason, the average price of going solar will be about $17,543 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Mason can save around $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Mason that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Mason

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,289
3 years $-13,782
5 years $-11,274
7 years $-8,767
9 years $-6,259
11 years $-3,752
13 years $-1,245
15 years $1,263
17 years $3,770
19 years $6,278
21 years $8,785
23 years $11,292
25 years $13,800

Top Solar Installers in Mason

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Mason:

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

Solar Veteran

Michigan Solar Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Outstanding customer service
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Educational, no-pressure sales approach
  • Limited warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Limited brands of solar equipment available

See all of the solar companies in Mason

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mason

The cost of installing a solar system in Mason can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted 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. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Mason homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Mason’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $4.22 $17,734 $10,847 15.5 years
8 kW $4.14 $23,191 $14,918 15.2 years
10 kW $4.06 $28,420 $19,216 14.9 years
12 kW $3.98 $33,422 $23,741 14.6 years
14 kW $3.90 $38,196 $28,494 14.3 years
16 kW $3.82 $42,744 $33,474 14.0 years
18 kW $3.74 $47,064 $38,681 13.7 years
20 kW $3.65 $51,156 $44,116 13.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Mason, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.

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

Solar Veteran

Michigan Solar Solutions

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Outstanding customer service
  • Offers products from leading manufacturers
  • Slightly limited service offerings
  • No leases or PPAs

Outstanding Local Installer

Strawberry Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Outstanding customer service
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Educational, no-pressure sales approach
  • Limited warranty coverage
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Limited brands of solar equipment available

EcoWatch's Mason, MI Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mason?

The average cost of solar panels in Mason is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a crucial 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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