Los Angeles, CA Solar Installation: 2026 Costs, Incentives & Savings
Solar Power in Los Angeles
If you’re considering solar installation in Los Angeles, you’re in good company. California ranks first in the nation for residential solar installations, as more Angelenos look for ways to take control of their energy.
Rising costs are a big reason why. California has the second highest utility prices in the country, prompting LA homeowners to explore their options. This guide breaks down what solar installation looks like in Los Angeles, so you can make a confident, informed decision. To go deeper, explore our complete guide to home solar panels.
California by the Numbers
- Most residential solar in the United States
- Households have installed solar panels
- Avg peak sun hours per day
- Los Angeles average savings over 25 years
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Los Angeles, CA?
See real solar installation costs for Los Angeles, based on our firsthand data from actual local homes. Whether you live in Pasadena, Long Beach, Santa Monica, Glendale, or Torrance, this calculator uses genuine numbers from your area to help you understand what solar could cost near you.
Cost Breakdown
- Estimated monthly cost with LightReach: $88/mo
- System Cost: $19,288
- Price per Watt: $2.89
- Monthly Savings: $239
- Payback Period: 6.1 years
- 25-Year Savings: $104,509
Palmetto Reviews
Review 1:
Im from Los Angeles, the summer here is brutal. Having Palmetto has freed me from a $1000 electric bill for running my AC all day long. I had a 4900 sq ft house, and I think having solar is literally a must. Keeps me comfortable, and the loan is only $220 per month. Great service, never had any issue in the past two years since installation.
Review 2:
Good experience working with these guys, Joe was very professional and answered all the questions I had. The installation was very fast and the system was up and running in no time. I will definitely recommend.
Review 3:
Palmetto made my transition from electric to solar so, so easy. All I had to do was sign paperwork, everything else was taken care of on my behalf. Sara also kept me informed of all stages moving forward.
Key Takeaways
- Los Angeles electricity prices keep climbing, rising from 22.8¢ to 31.9¢ per kWh in just three years—nearly double the national average.
- Solar can save LA homeowners around $105,000 over 25 years, thanks to abundant sunshine averaging 6 peak sun hours per day.
- Leasing solar means no upfront cost, since Palmetto owns and maintains the system while you enjoy a predictable, fixed monthly payment.
Los Angeles Electricity Prices
California’s average electricity price jumped from 22.8 cents per kWh in 2021 to 31.9 cents in 2024. That’s nearly double the national average of 16.5 cents, and rates in Los Angeles keep trending upward.
Solar panel installation lets you generate your own power from Southern California’s abundant sunshine. By producing electricity at home, many Angelenos reduce how much they buy from the grid at these rising rates.
Price of Energy: California vs National Average
- 2021: 22.8¢
- 2024: 31.9¢
- US Average: 16.5¢ (2024)
Los Angeles Area Utility Providers
- LADWP: 23.00¢ (+44%)
- SCE: 32.30¢ (+102%)
- CA Average: 29.50¢ (+84%)
- US Average: 16.0¢
California Solar Incentives
Several state and local programs can help offset the cost of going solar. Explore the available solar incentives in California to see what you may qualify for.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| DAC-SASH – Disadvantaged Communities Single-Family Solar Homes Program | Rebate | DAC-SASH provides up to $3 per watt in solar installation rebates for income-qualified homeowners in California’s designated disadvantaged communities. | Learn More |
| SGIP RSSE – AB 209 Residential Solar and Storage Equity Program | Rebate | The AB 209-funded RSSE program offers low-income California households up to $1,100/kWh for battery storage and $3,100/kW for paired solar. | Learn More |
| SOMAH – Solar on Multifamily Affordable Housing | Rebate | SOMAH provides solar installation incentives of up to $3.50 per AC Watt for multifamily affordable housing properties. | Learn More |
| DAC-GT – Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff | Rebate | The DAC-GT program gives income-qualified residents a 20% discount on their electricity bill by crediting them with utility-scale clean energy. | Learn More |
| PACE Financing – Property Assessed Clean Energy | Rebate | PACE program allows homeowners to finance solar installations with no money down, repaying the loan through their property tax bill. | Learn More |
Los Angeles 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.
Los Angeles enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, making it ideal for solar.
Solar Production in Los Angeles by Month
- July: 55.6 kWh/day
- December: 32.4 kWh/day
- Annual Production: 16,861 kWh/year
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Solar Panel Systems in Los Angeles
We’ve mapped solar installations across the country, right down to the neighborhood level. Explore this interactive map of Los Angeles to see how many homes near you have already switched to solar.
Leasing Solar Panels
Most Los Angeles homes are served by LADWP, and Palmetto offers a solar lease here through LightReach. You pay one fixed monthly amount based on your system’s estimated yearly production, so your costs stay steady and predictable all year long.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Los Angeles, CA have net metering? Yes. Most Los Angeles homes are served by the Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (LADWP), which offers 1:1 net metering.
- Do solar panels increase your home value in Los Angeles, CA? Yes, solar panels can increase your home’s value—but this applies to purchased or owned systems.
- How much does it cost to go solar in Los Angeles, CA? A typical LightReach lease costs about $88/mo, with no upfront cost.