Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Angeles, CA (2024 Update)
- Los Angeles Solar Installation Cost: $6,920
- 25-Year Savings: $16,973
- Payback Period: 7.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Angeles
See how much it might cost to go solar in Los Angeles.
In Los Angeles, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Los Angeles homeowner needs a 2.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $6,920 with the federal tax credit, or $9,896 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Los Angeles depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Los Angeles homeowners see about $30,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Los Angeles
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,627 |
| 3 years | $-3,041 |
| 5 years | $-455 |
| 7 years | $2,130 |
| 9 years | $4,716 |
| 11 years | $7,302 |
| 13 years | $9,888 |
| 15 years | $12,474 |
| 17 years | $15,060 |
| 19 years | $17,646 |
| 21 years | $20,232 |
| 23 years | $22,818 |
| 25 years | $25,404 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Angeles
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Los Angeles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Angeles
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Los Angeles: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,470 per kilowatt in Los Angeles.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Los Angeles average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Los Angeles to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Los Angeles homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much it costs. Los Angeles’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $32,054 | 8.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $43,128 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $54,396 | 7.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $65,858 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $77,514 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $89,365 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $101,410 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $113,649 | 6.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Los Angeles, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Los Angeles?
The average cost of solar panels in Los Angeles is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Los Angeles?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Los Angeles. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Los Angeles?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.