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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Los Angeles typically cost around 3.The average solar panel system size in Los Angeles is around 2.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $6,920 for a solar installation, or $9,896 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Los Angeles can save about $30,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Los Angeles that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Los Angeles, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
See all of the solar companies in Los Angeles
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Angeles
For many Los Angeles homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Los Angeles, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,470. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Los Angeles offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Los Angeles, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
EcoWatch's Los Angeles, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Los Angeles?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably 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 larger level 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.