Cost overview
How much does solar cost in Los Angeles?
The average Los Angeles home requires a 8.5 kW system to offset its LADWP bill. At the current Greater Los Angeles average of $2.62 per watt, gross cost is approximately $22,270 before incentives.
| System size | Installed cost (2026, no federal credit) | Monthly savings est. |
|---|---|---|
| 7 kW | $18,340 | $180–$230 |
| 8.5 kW (avg Los Angeles) | $22,270 | $300–$345 |
| 12 kW | $31,440 | $340–$420 |
| + Battery (13.5 kWh) | +$10,000–$15,000 | +$125–$250 |
Install in 2026: California's property tax exclusion — which prevents solar from raising your property tax bill — expires for systems installed after December 31, 2026. Start now to qualify; typical installations take 6–12 weeks from signed contract to Permission to Operate.
LADWP Net Metering in Los Angeles
How does LADWP credit my solar power in Los Angeles?
LADWP still credits solar exports at full retail rates (~$0.22–$0.37/kWh depending on tier, season, and zone) — LADWP is municipally owned and has not adopted NEM 3.0. This makes Los Angeles one of the best-value solar markets in California; a battery is optional for bill savings, though valuable for outage backup. Under current LADWP time-of-use rates, peak hours run 4–9 PM at $0.28–0.38/kWh. Every kilowatt-hour of solar you self-consume saves you significantly more than one you export ($0.08–0.12/kWh).
| Scenario | Annual savings | 25-yr total | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| No solar | $0 | $0 | N/A |
| Solar only (no battery) | ~$2,520/yr | ~$74,295 | 8.8 yrs |
| Solar + battery | ~$3,600/yr | ~$114,300 | 9.7 yrs |
What solar incentives are available in Los Angeles, CA in 2026?
- Federal residential tax credit (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025. Not available for homeowner cash or loan purchases in 2026.
- California Property Tax Exclusion — solar does not increase your property tax assessment. Expires for systems installed after December 31, 2026. Income-qualified households (CARE/FERA or below 80% AMI) may access the SGIP RSSE battery rebate waitlist.
- LADWP electricity credits — LADWP still credits solar exports at full retail rates (~$0.22–$0.37/kWh depending on tier, season, and zone) — LADWP is municipally owned and has not adopted NEM 3.0. This makes Los Angeles one of the best-value solar markets in California; a battery is optional for bill savings, though valuable for outage backup.
- California Property Tax Exclusion — Solar does not increase your property tax assessment. Expires for systems installed after December 31, 2026 — install this year to lock it in permanently.
Free · No obligation · Los Angeles-area specialists
Get matched with Los Angeles' top solar installers
What's your average monthly LADWP bill?
Your info goes only to installers you approve