Does LADWP offer net metering in Los Angeles?

Yes — LADWP credits the solar you export to the grid in Los Angeles under California's modified net metering, valued at ~70–90% of retail. That credit is what lets a well-sized system zero out most of your annual bill.

Is solar worth it in Los Angeles?

At 5.6 peak sun hours, a 7.4 kW system in Los Angeles produces about 12,100 kWh a year. With $0 federal credit, this model puts payback near 11.6 years and about $35,183 over 25 years after a $22,570 net cost. It is a model, not a quote.

::LOS_ANGELES_INCENTIVES // 2026

Los AngelesSolar Incentives 2026: Rebates, Tax Credits & Net Metering

Q: How much do solar panels cost in Los Angeles?

The 7.4 kW system that fits a typical Los Angeles home (about a $140/month bill) costs around $22,570 before incentives. With $0 federal credit, the net cost in this model is roughly $22,570. Use the calculator on this page with your actual LADWP bill.

Updated October 2026 · LADWP · California

Los Angeles homeowners installing in 2026 cannot claim the federal residential credit. What remains is LADWP net metering. At 5.6 peak sun hours a day, a home with a $140/month bill (about 1,000 kWh) needs roughly a 7.4 kW system — 19 panels — and pays back in about 11.6 years.

Federal residential credit

CA State Credit

—

Local Utility

LADWP

Net Metering

Active

Est. System Size

7.4 kW

Annual Production

12.1k kWh

Net cost ($0 federal)

$22,570

Est. Payback

11.6 yrs

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::INPUT_PARAMETERS

Monthly Electric Bill (USD)

State

Roof (sq ft, optional)

Solar Incentives Available in Los Angeles

The federal residential credit does not apply to a Los Angeles system installed in 2026. California does not add a state income tax credit in this dataset. LADWP sets the local rules for crediting the solar power you export.

LADWP runs its own net metering program separate from the big investor-owned utilities, so LA's rules differ from most of California.

How Much Solar Los Angeles Homes Produce

Los Angeles gets 5.6 peak sun hours a day, so each 1 kW of panels produces about 1,635 kWh per year here. A 7.4 kW system — the size that fits a typical $140/month LADWP bill — generates roughly 12,100 kWh annually, worth about $1,694 in avoided electricity in year one and more as rates rise.

LADWP Net Metering in Los Angeles

LADWP credits excess solar generation from Los Angeles homes under California's modified net metering (~70–90% of retail). A right-sized system can bring net annual electricity costs close to zero. See full California net metering rules →

How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Los Angeles?

At California's 2026 average of $3.05/watt, the 7.4 kW system most Los Angeles homes need runs about $22,570 before incentives. The federal residential credit is $0. Net cost in this model is about $22,570, with payback around 11.6 years. Those figures use $0 federal credit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles homeowners installing in 2026 cannot claim the federal Residential Clean Energy Credit. LADWP offers net metering. LADWP runs its own net metering program separate from the big investor-owned utilities, so LA's rules differ from most of California.