Los Angeles is the nation's leading city in installed solar capacity, with nearly 650 megawatts of solar installed in 2021, according to the California Environmental Research Center's Shining Cities 2022 report. If you live in Los Angeles , you can reduce your carbon footprint in your home and save on energy costs by going solar.
According to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, solar power is the city's most popular renewable energy source. LADWP has extensive plans to further expand solar power throughout the city.
According to CNET business partner SaveOnEnergy, California's average electric bill tends to be higher than the national average. Rising electricity costs are the main reason many Angelenos are investing in solar panels for their homes. Electricity rates in California were 25 percent higher in June 2022 than in June 2021, according to the Energy Information Administration.
The cost of solar panels nationwide has dropped 69% since 2000, according to a report from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Los Angeles has several tax breaks and incentives that can help lower the cost of solar panels even further. .
Price of solar panels in Los Angeles
Several factors can affect the cost of a solar panel system, including system size, available tax credits or rebates, and installation costs. The average cost of a solar panel system in Los Angeles is lower than the US average because solar panel systems in California are typically smaller than systems in other states.
Here's a breakdown of the average size and price of solar panels in California compared to the average cost in the United States, using data from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.
California is rising
| | Plant Size (kW) | Price per watt | total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| high | 8:64 a.m | $4.63 | $39,975 |
| medium | 5:67 a.m | $3.87 | $21,935 |
| Short | 3.72: | $3.05 | $11361 |
California as a country
| | Plant Size (kW) | cost per watt | Installed value |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 5.67 kW | $3.87 | $21,935 |
| nationally | 7.6 kW | $3.67 | $26,882 |
Although the cost of solar energy is much lower than it was a few years ago, it is still a good investment. Fortunately, there are many financing options , including solar loans, that make purchasing more affordable for Los Angeles residents. Some solar panel companies offer solar panel leases or power purchase agreements that significantly lower the initial cost but don't provide the same benefits as your own system.
Disclosure of the advertiser . CNET Business Partner SaveOnEnergy can help you find the right energy for your home. The SaveOnEnergy Marketplace helps you find, compare, save and save on the right energy for your home, all for free. If you're interested in solar power, answer a few questions to get an accurate quote from our solar consultants.
Incentives and rebates for solar panels in Los Angeles
Los Angeles residents can take advantage of various tax credits , rebates and incentives to make solar panels more affordable. Some solar incentives are available nationwide, while others are limited to Los Angeles.
The Clean Energy Home Credit (originally called the Investment Tax Credit) is a federal tax credit of 30% of the total purchase price of a solar system that is refunded to residents when they pay their taxes. In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act was passed, which increased the amount of this tax credit (26%) and extended it until 2032. The loan will mature over the next two years until the end of 2034. can save Los Angeles residents up to $6,580 on a 5.7kW system, based on the average cost of a solar panel system in California.
There are many other solar credits and incentives in Los Angeles. You can find the full list on the government's Efficiency and Renewable Energy Incentives database. Here are some solar incentives available in Los Angeles that you should be aware of.
| Program: | Description: |
|---|---|
| Net accounting programs | Коммунальные службы Los Angeles offers clean student programs that allow residents with solar panels to sell additional solar energy back to the grid. Grid metering in California has recently been discussed, and the terms of the program are subject to change. |
| Property tax exemption for solar energy systems | Solar panels generally add value to a home. This program prevents property taxes from increasing based on the higher value of your home after installing solar panels. |
| Self-generating incentive program | SGIP offers rebates to consumers who combine energy storage technologies such as solar panels with their solar panels. |
Solar Panel Companies in Los Angeles
Given the prevalence of solar energy in Los Angeles, there are many companies to choose from when getting quotes. The Solar Energy Association offers a national database of solar companies, including companies based in Los Angeles.
We've created a list of solar panel companies that stand out from the competition. Here are some solar panel installers working in Los Angeles.
Solar ADT
ADT Solar (formerly Sunpro Solar) sells solar panels and batteries in Los Angeles. This installer offers a 25-year labor and manufacturer warranty, as well as a 25-year power generation warranty. Another advantage of ADT Solar is the guarantee that the installation cost matches.
ADT Solar only offers solar panels for sale and does not offer solar panel rentals or PPAs. The Company purchases solar products from various manufacturers and agrees to provide a 25-year manufacturer's warranty and a 25-year manufacturing warranty from ADT.
sun palm
Palmetto Solar offers solar panel purchases as well as solar panel leases and PPAs, although most Palmetto customers prefer to purchase their own solar systems. It is one of the largest US solar companies operating in the Los Angeles area.
This solar company's approach to customer service differs from that of many competitors in that it offers a subscription called Palmetto Protect. Customers receive system performance monitoring and tiered support based on subscription level. Palmetto solar panels are over 19.8% efficient. The company also extends the minimum product warranty to 12 years and a 25-year performance warranty.
Optimum solar energy
Solar Optimum has a smaller footprint than other companies on this list, focusing its operations in California and Nevada. However, its products and service conditions remain very competitive. This California company has been awarded the Panasonic National Installer of the Year 2021 award for the second year in a row.
Solar Optimum's warranties are more extensive than some of its competitors, offering a 25-year product warranty (including solar panels, inverters and mounting hardware) and a 25-year quality and performance warranty. These warranties are transferable, meaning that if you sell your home, the warranties can be transferred to the new owner. With Solar Optimum, you can also buy the right solar panels for your system.
solar energy
SunPower Solar operates in most of California, including Los Angeles, and offers the highest efficiency solar panels on the market. SunPower Equinox solar panels have an efficiency rating of 22.8%, outperforming many of their competitors.
With the SunPower Equinox package, you get solar panels from Maxeon (a solar panel manufacturer), Enphase microinverters, and mounting hardware. SunPower guarantees 92% of generating capacity for 25 years.
Comb
Sunrun offers a wide variety of sunscreens in Los Angeles. Most Sunrun customers prefer to lease their solar power systems rather than buy them. It is important to note that leasing solar panels has its pros and cons. First of all, renting a system is cheaper upfront and makes solar more affordable. However, if you lease your system, you won't qualify for most tax credits and solar credits, and you'll see less energy savings in the long run. Sunrun also offers sales of solar panels.
For those who decide to lease their solar power plant from Sunrun, the company offers full service and monitoring. Sunrun also extends a 10-year manufacturer's warranty that covers any roof damage or installation issues.
Solar Tesla
In 2016, Tesla acquired SolarCity, which allowed the company to significantly increase its installed capacity across the country. Tesla has two solar panel business segments: Tesla Solar Panels and Tesla Solar Roof. Cost, performance and warranty terms will depend on the solar system chosen by Tesla.
The Tesla Sunroof comes with a 25-year product and performance warranty that guarantees 95% capacity after five years and 85% capacity after 25 years. A Tesla sunroof costs a lot more than a Tesla solar panel.
While Tesla's solar panels are cheaper than a solar roof, they don't sacrifice quality. Tesla solar panels have an efficiency of 19.3% to 20.6% and an 85% capacity guarantee after 25 years.
Installation factors to keep in mind
Before you buy solar panels, it's important to do your research and make sure they're the right solution for you. Here are some installation aspects to consider first:
- What's the condition of your roof? Your roof is an important consideration when installing rooftop solar panels. Its size, shape, and tilt can affect the amount of electricity a solar system produces. If your roof is old or in need of repair, it may need to be replaced or serviced before it can support solar installations. The Department of Energy states that roofs with a slope of 15 to 40 degrees will allow the solar panel system to achieve maximum efficiency.
- Where are you? Although solar panels can still work in areas with indirect sunlight, they will be most effective when exposed to at least four hours of direct sunlight per day. Los Angeles typically receives 283 sunny days per year, higher than the national average of 205 sunny days. However, if your home is heavily shaded, a solar panel system will not produce the same energy as it would in direct sunlight.
- Are there HOAs and neighborhood rules? California law prohibits HOAs and municipalities from banning rooftop solar panels, so you don't have to worry if solar is allowed in your area. However, your region may have specific aesthetic or installation requirements. Be sure to research what is required in your area before signing a contract.
- Are you renting out your home? Consumers living in rented apartments or houses should not be allowed to install solar panels. You can check with your landlord or rental company if solar is allowed. Alternatively, public solar programs are an alternative to installing rooftop solar panels. They allow you to subscribe to electricity produced elsewhere by solar panels and use your electricity bills. Subscription rates are set at a lower interest rate than the loan amount, so you'll benefit every month. Solar power is expected to expand rapidly in the state of California thanks to new regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Energy in Los Angeles
How long do solar panels last?
Solar panels have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years. Life can be affected by factors such as product quality, climate and service. If you have a technician perform routine maintenance on your solar system, the panels can last more than 30 years.
Do you need solar panels in Los Angeles?
California has regulations that require solar panels to be installed on new single-family and multi-family homes up to three stories tall. This mandate went into effect in 2020 and applies to new homes in Los Angeles. According to this requirement, new homes must include a solar energy system that will meet all of the home's energy needs, calculated based on the climate of the region and the size of the home. Homes built before 2020 do not need solar panels.
How do I find a solar installer in Los Angeles?
Since Los Angeles is one of the leading cities in the field of solar energy, it makes sense that the city has a large number of companies working in the field of solar energy. If you are looking for a solar panel installer in Los Angeles, take the time to thoroughly research your options. Request quotes from several companies and read customer reviews and testimonials before signing a contract. You can check out CNET's picks for the best solar companies if you need a place to start your search.
