Long Beach, CA Solar Panels: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Long Beach
With abundant sunshine and California holding the second highest utility prices per kWh in the nation, solar installation in Long Beach is worth understanding. As rising electricity costs continue to affect homeowners, many are exploring whether solar is a good fit for their household.
At Palmetto, we make going solar simple and clear. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about home solar panels and solar panel installation right here in Long Beach.
CALIFORNIA by the Numbers
1st Most residential solar in the United States
1926 Households have installed solar panels
6.0 Avg peak sun hours per day
~$105k Long Beach average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Long Beach, CA?
See what solar really costs in Long Beach. This calculator uses real installation data from homes across the area—from Belmont Shore and Bixby Knolls to Naples and California Heights—so your estimate reflects actual local numbers, not guesses. Get a clear, honest look at solar for your home.
Lease
Cash Purchase
| Home Size | System Size |
|---|---|
| Small Home | Up to 2,000 sq ft |
| Medium Home | 2,000-3,000 sq ft |
| Large Home | Over 3,000 sq ft |
This system size is designed to offset approximately 100% of the average electricity usage for a home of this size in California.
Recommended System
6.67 kW
Your Monthly Payment
Estimated monthly cost with LightReach:
$88/mo
As low as $88/mo
Why Lease Solar?
Following the 2025 Big Beautiful Bill, the federal 30% solar tax credit is no longer available for cash purchases. With a LightReach lease, Palmetto owns the system and still qualifies for the commercial ITC — passing those savings through to you via lower monthly payments.
- No upfront investment
- Palmetto handles all maintenance
- 90% Production Guarantee
- Comprehensive protection program included
| Your Estimated Investment | ||
|---|---|---|
| System Cost | $19,288 | Price per Watt |
| $2.89 | Final Cost | |
| $19,288 | Savings | |
| Monthly Savings | $239 | Payback Period |
| Break-even point | 6.1 years | 25-Year Savings |
| $104,503 | ||
| Get Your Personalized Quote |
Based on Palmetto Solar installations in California. Current electricity rate: 31.9¢/kWh. Assumes 80% credit of retail rate.
Palmetto Reviews
Good experience working with these guys. The installation was very fast and the system was up and running in no time; they will tell you exactly how much you will end up paying up front. I will definitely recommend.
Juan Rendon
Santa Ana, California
We had a great experience with this company. Jessica was always available to answer any questions and explained things clearly. The installation team was wonderful; it took them about 4 hours to complete.
Rosa Martinez
Santa Maria, California
Palmetto made my transition to solar so easy. Sara kept me informed of all stages of the installation moving forward.
Laura Mcpherson
Fontana, California
Key Takeaways
- Long Beach electricity prices keep climbing, reaching 31.9¢ per kWh—nearly double the national average—which is why many homeowners are exploring solar to take control of their energy costs.
- With 6 peak sun hours daily, a typical Long Beach home can save around $105,000 over 25 years by generating its own clean, reliable power.
- California incentives and flexible leasing make solar accessible, letting you go solar with no upfront cost while Palmetto owns and maintains the system for you.
Long Beach Electricity Prices
Long Beach enjoys plenty of sunshine, but electricity here keeps getting more expensive. Understanding these rising costs helps explain why solar has grown popular.
California electricity prices climbed from 22.8 cents per kWh in 2021 to 31.9 cents in 2024. That is nearly double the national average of about 16.5 cents, and Southern California rates keep trending upward.
Solar lets Long Beach homeowners produce their own power from the region’s abundant sunshine. By generating electricity onsite, you rely less on the grid and reduce exposure to these steadily climbing utility rates.
Price of Energy: California vs National Average
| Year | CA Electricity Prices | US Average Prices |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 22.8¢ | 16.5¢ |
| 2022 | 25.8¢ | 16.0¢ |
| 2023 | 29.5¢ | 16.0¢ |
| 2024 | 31.9¢ | - |
Long Beach Area Utility Providers
In Long Beach, most homes get their power from Southern California Edison (SCE). In 2023, SCE charged about 32.3¢ per kWh—well above both the state and national averages that year.
Long Beach Utilities Electricity Rates
| Utility Provider | Rate |
|---|---|
| SCE | 32.30¢ |
| CA Average | 29.50¢ |
| US Average | 16.0¢ |
California Solar Incentives
Long Beach homeowners can tap into several solar incentives in California that help lower the cost of going solar.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SGIP – Battery Storage Rebate | Rebate | Rebates for residential battery storage systems. | Learn More |
| DAC-SASH | Rebate | Up to $3 per watt for solar installation. | Learn More |
| SGIP RSSE | Rebate | Up to $1,100/kWh for battery storage. | Learn More |
| SOMAH | Rebate | Up to $3.50 per AC Watt for multifamily affordable housing. | Learn More |
| DAC-GT | Rebate | 20% discount on electricity bill for income-qualified residents. | Learn More |
| PACE Financing | Rebate | Finance solar with no money down. | Learn More |
Long Beach Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Solar Production in Long Beach by Month
| Month | Energy Production (kWh/day) |
|---|---|
| January | X |
| February | Y |
| March | Z |
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2.4 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 12 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
Solar Panel Systems in Long Beach
We’ve mapped solar installations across the country, right down to the neighborhood. Explore this interactive heatmap to see how many of your Long Beach neighbors have switched to solar. Click any hexagon to discover how communities across the city are embracing clean energy.
Leasing Solar Panels
In Long Beach, most homes are served by Southern California Edison (SCE), where Palmetto offers a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). With a PPA through LightReach, you pay a set price for the power your panels produce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Long Beach, CA have net metering?
Yes, through Southern California Edison (SCE) with Net Billing, which credits the solar energy you export to the grid.
Do solar panels increase your home value in Long Beach, CA?
Yes. A Zillow study found that homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without them.
How much does it cost to go solar in Long Beach, CA?
With a LightReach lease, starting around $88/mo.
How does leasing solar work?
With a solar lease like Palmetto’s LightReach, you pay one simple monthly payment that covers your panels, installation, monitoring, maintenance, and a 90% Production Guarantee—with no upfront cost.
Does solar make sense in Long Beach, CA?
For many Long Beach homeowners, generating your own power can help offset steadily rising utility bills.