LADWP Service Area · Los Angeles County
Solar Panels in Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles is served by LADWP, a municipal utility with lower rates than SCE. Solar value comes from backup power during outages, energy independence, and protection from future rate increases, plus offsetting high cooling costs in inland neighborhoods. Homeowners in Los Angeles on LADWP pay an estimated $190/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 Los Angeles — 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*
- $190
- Typical system size*
- 7 kW
- Est. year-1 savings*
- $1500
- Est. payback period*
- 8 yrs
Why Go Solar in Los Angeles?
- ●High sun exposure: Los Angeles averages an estimated 5.7 peak sun hours per day — strong solar production potential year-round.
- ●High LADWP 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 Los Angeles
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 — Los Angeles
Do I need a permit for solar in Los Angeles?
Yes. The City of Los Angeles uses LADBS (LA Dept of Building and Safety) with SolarAPP+ for eligible residential rooftop systems, providing same-day automated approval. Your installer submits the application and handles the process.
Is off-grid solar worth it in Los Angeles with LADWP rates?
LADWP rates average $0.24/kWh, lower than SCE. Solar payback is longer, but off-grid systems provide backup power during outages, lock in energy costs against future rate increases, and offset high cooling costs in inland LA neighborhoods like the Valley.
How much sun does Los Angeles get for solar?
Los Angeles averages around 5.7 peak sun hours per day in Zone 8/9. Coastal areas experience marine layer, but inland neighborhoods (Valley, East LA) see excellent solar production year-round with hot, clear summers.
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 Los Angeles.
- 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.