SCE Service Area · Los Angeles County
Solar Panels in Long Beach, CA
Long Beach sits on the Pacific coast with moderate coastal climate and marine layer influence. Despite coastal fog, the area receives strong solar production, and SCE rates make solar economics favorable. Homeowners in Long Beach on SCE pay an estimated $235/mo in electricity — solar can cut that dramatically. Get a free, no-obligation quote from a licensed local installer today.
* Electricity bill figures are regional estimates only, not guarantees.
Solar in Long Beach — Local Estimates
These are illustrative regional estimates — not guarantees. Your actual savings depend on usage, roof orientation, shading, system size, and future utility rate changes.
- Avg monthly bill*
- $235
- Typical system size*
- 8 kW
- Est. year-1 savings*
- $2100
- Est. payback period*
- 6 yrs
Why Go Solar in Long Beach?
- ●High sun exposure: Long Beach averages an estimated 5.7 peak sun hours per day — strong solar production potential year-round.
- ●High SCE rates: SCE / LADWP / Pasadena Water & Power customers pay an estimated $0.36/kWh, making solar economics strong. Southern California Edison (SCE) serves most of LA County at ~$0.36/kWh. City of Los Angeles is served by LADWP (municipal) at ~$0.24/kWh. Pasadena has municipal power at ~$0.22/kWh. Solar economics remain strong across all utilities, especially for SCE areas.
- ●Federal tax credit: The 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is currently available for systems installed on primary residences. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
- ●Home value: Studies suggest homes with owned solar systems sell for more than comparable homes without — though results vary by market.
Local Details for Long Beach
Utility Rate
SCE / LADWP / Pasadena Water & Power: Estimated $0.36/kWh residential rate. Southern California Edison (SCE) serves most of LA County at ~$0.36/kWh. City of Los Angeles is served by LADWP (municipal) at ~$0.24/kWh. Pasadena has municipal power at ~$0.22/kWh. Solar economics remain strong across all utilities, especially for SCE areas.
Permit Office
LA County Dept of Regional Planning / Individual City Building Departments / LADBS (City of LA) (Los Angeles County / individual cities). Typical turnaround: Same-day to 3 weeks (varies by jurisdiction; many cities use SolarAPP+). City of Los Angeles uses LADBS (LA Dept of Building and Safety) with SolarAPP+ same-day approval for eligible systems. Santa Clarita, Pasadena, Long Beach, Glendale, and other cities have their own building departments. Many jurisdictions have adopted SolarAPP+.
Climate Zone
Zone 8 / Zone 9 (coastal basin) / Zone 10 (inland valleys) / Zone 14 (desert): Zone 8/9: mild coastal basin climate (LA, Torrance, Long Beach) with moderate temperatures and marine layer influence. Zone 10: warm inland valleys (Pomona, West Covina) with hot summers. Zone 14: desert climate (Lancaster, Palmdale) with extreme heat and very high sun exposure. Excellent solar production throughout the county.
Frequently Asked Questions — Long Beach
Do I need a permit for solar in Long Beach?
Yes. Long Beach has its own city building department with typical turnaround of 2-3 weeks. Your installer will manage the permit application process.
Is off-grid solar worth it in Long Beach with SCE rates?
Yes. Long Beach residents pay SCE rates around $0.36/kWh. Off-grid solar with battery storage delivers strong savings and backup power, even with moderate cooling demand from the coastal climate.
How much sun does Long Beach get for solar?
Long Beach averages approximately 5.7 peak sun hours per day in Zone 8. Marine layer affects morning production, but the coastal climate still supports strong solar generation year-round.
How It Works
- 1Submit your info: Fill out the quick form — takes under 2 minutes.
- 2Get matched: We share your request with one licensed solar contractor serving Long Beach.
- 3Free consultation: Your contractor contacts you to assess your home and provide a no-obligation quote.
- 4Go solar: If the numbers work, move forward on your timeline — no pressure.