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 April 21, 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.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Mason it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Mason is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,543 for a solar installation, or $25,086 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Mason based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Mason can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Mason

YearReturn 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

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to go with a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Mason provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Mason’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have 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 sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.22$17,734$10,84715.5 years
8 kW$4.14$23,191$14,91815.2 years
10 kW$4.06$28,420$19,21614.9 years
12 kW$3.98$33,422$23,74114.6 years
14 kW$3.90$38,196$28,49414.3 years
16 kW$3.82$42,744$33,47414.0 years
18 kW$3.74$47,064$38,68113.7 years
20 kW$3.65$51,156$44,11613.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.

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 actual cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Mason is currently $252,537, which means you can expect a value of about $10,354 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Mason is a worthwhile investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 buy 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.