Los Angeles is sunny almost every day. It gets about 284 sunny days each year. It is a great place for rooftop solar. LADWP is the city’s main power provider. Electricity costs have gone up a lot. Rates rose 72% from 2010 to 2023. Energy bills are now a big worry. L.A. wants a cleaner future. The goal is 100% carbon-free energy by 2035. Solar will play a big role in this plan.
Going solar in LA in very important. So, this guide will help you how to pick the right solar company in Los Angeles
Step 1: Start with Your Solar Goals
Los Angeles uses Time-of-Use (TOU) rates. These change by time of day and season. Electricity costs more during weekday afternoons from 1 p.m. to 4:59 p.m. It costs less during nights and weekends.
Shifting your energy use can save money. You can run the dishwasher or EV charger during off-peak hours. If you are considering solar, it’s even better to pair it with TOU. Your panels produce power when rates are highest.
LA sometimes has blackouts during heatwaves. This happens when demand spikes. Adding battery storage keeps your home powered during these times. Batteries also store extra solar power. This lets you use it later and avoid peak rates. It gives you peace of mind during outages.
Los Angeles has more EVs every year. Many homeowners want to charge their cars with solar power. Electricity costs are high at around 29 to 32 cents per kWh. Using solar for EV charging is a smart way to save and get more value from your system.
Step 2: Look for a True Los Angeles Presence
Installing solar in LA means dealing with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). The PermitLA system makes solar and battery permits faster, especially for systems under 10 kW. A local installer who knows this system can move your project along more quickly.
LA rooftops vary. Some homes have Spanish tile roofs in Echo Park. Others have modern flat roofs in Downtown LA. Many hillside houses in the Hollywood Hills have steep designs. A company familiar with these styles can install panels better and make them look neater.
Shade is another challenge in LA. Tall palms, large trees, and nearby buildings can block sunlight. A local installer will know how to place panels to get the most sun. They might use microinverters or optimizers to keep your system efficient in these conditions.
Step 3: Check for Industry-Respected Credentials
In California, solar installers need a C‑46 Solar Contractor license. This isn’t easy to get—it requires at least four years of on-the-job experience and passing two tough exams. It ensures your installer is truly trained and trusted. The C‑46 license covers solar installation, maintenance, and repair. It does not allow unrelated construction work, so licensed professionals focus only on solar systems.
California’s Title 24 energy code aims to lower energy use and reduce carbon emissions. It now includes rules on solar panel installations and battery systems—especially for new buildings.
A reputable LA installer will know how to meet these local efficiency rules. That saves you time and ensures everything gets approved.
State law requires solar companies in California to provide a Solar Consumer Protection Guide upfront. It helps homeowners understand their rights, evaluate solar bids, and avoid scams
A trustworthy installer will go the extra mile—walk you through it carefully and make sure you sign and understand it before proceeding. That’s the kind of customer care we love.
Step 4: Learn from Other LA Homeowners
Platforms like Nextdoor and neighborhood Facebook groups are gold mines for honest solar installer insights. Real neighbors share real experiences—whether praise or warnings.
On Yelp, focus on reviews from installations done in Los Angeles, not elsewhere. That way, you’re getting feedback that reflects local service quality and regional climate conditions.
Installers with projects in your ZIP code understand local shading patterns, microclimates, and rooftop quirks. That means they design solar systems that actually perform better in your exact environment.
Step 5: Compare Technology and Warranties
In Los Angeles, roof space is limited. High-efficiency panels help you get more power from each square foot.
Partial shading is common in LA. Palm trees and nearby rooftops often block the sun. Look for panels with shade tolerance, such as those with microinverters or optimizers. These keep your system running well, even when part of it is in shadow.
If you live near the coast, salt air can damage regular panel frames over time. Ask for warranties that cover salt-air corrosion. You can also choose marine-grade components made to last in humid coastal areas.
Step 6: Explore Financing and Incentive Guidance
In Los Angeles, going solar is not just about buying panels. It’s also about finding the best way to pay for them.
The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) offers several helpful programs. The Solar Rooftops program can install panels with no upfront cost. If you rent, the Shared Solar program lets you subscribe to solar power without installing anything. The Feed-in Tariff (FiT) program even pays you for sending extra power back to the grid.
If you want a battery, California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program (SGIP) can help. Depending on your income and system, it can cut hundreds—or even all—of your battery installation costs. This is a smart choice for anyone who wants backup power during blackouts.
The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) can also save you up to 30% on solar and battery costs. This credit is available through 2032. It’s like getting a large government discount for going solar.
The new NEM 3.0 net metering rules do not apply to LADWP customers. This means you may still get better rates for extra power you send back to the grid. Many other Californians no longer have this advantage.
Step 7: Get Multiple On-Site Quotes
Ask installers to use real Los Angeles solar data. This means calculating your energy output based on your address and local sun patterns. It will help you compare quotes more accurately.
In LA’s hilly areas, like Hollywood Hills or Silver Lake, roof measurements are important. Ask if installers use drone surveys for a precise layout. This avoids guesswork. It also ensures your system is designed perfectly for your roof.
Step 8: Consider After-Installation Service
Pick installers with local service crews. They can respond quickly if something goes wrong. You won’t have to wait weeks for help.
Choose systems with real-time app monitoring. This lets you check your energy production, battery status, and overall performance in seconds. You can do it even while grabbing an avocado toast break.
Living in Los Angeles means thinking about battery support too. Go for companies that can service popular systems like Tesla Powerwall. This will save you stress during power outages. It’s also a big plus for EV owners.
Step 9: Watch for Warning Signs
First, check if a company is listed on the LADWP installer directory. If they are not listed, they may not have the approval for a smooth solar connection in LA. You can find qualified installers on the LADWP site. You can also check the California Solar Statistics site.
Never choose someone without a C-46 Solar Contractor license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). This license is the only one made for installing, repairing, and maintaining solar systems.
Go to the CSLB website to confirm their license is valid. Use tools like “Find a Contractor” or the License Lookup. You can also check if there are any past complaints against them.
Be careful if a quote is much lower than others in LA. Solar projects here have real costs. These include permitting, LADBS fees, inspections, and local mandates. Low bids may mean missing steps or cutting corners.
FAQs About Choosing Right Solar Company in LA
How do Time-of-Use (TOU) rates in Los Angeles affect my solar savings?
In LA, electricity prices change depending on the time of day. Rates are highest during weekday afternoons. They are lowest at night or on weekends. Solar panels produce most of their power during peak hours. This can help you offset expensive electricity. If you pair solar with a battery, you can store extra energy. You can then use it later when rates are high.
Why is hiring a local Los Angeles solar installer important?
Local installers understand LA’s unique roofs. These include Spanish tile, flat roofs, and hillside homes. They also know how to deal with local shade from palm trees. They can also manage shade from nearby buildings. They are familiar with LADBS permitting. This knowledge helps speed up your project.
What credentials should my LA solar installer have?
Your installer should have a C-46 Solar Contractor license from the CSLB. This license proves they are qualified to install solar systems. It also proves they can maintain them. They should follow California’s Title 24 efficiency standards. They should also give you the Solar Consumer Protection Guide before you sign a contract.
What incentives can help me pay for solar in Los Angeles?
LADWP offers several programs. Solar Rooftops have no upfront cost. Shared Solar works for renters. The California SGIP rebate can reduce battery costs. In some cases, it can cover them completely. You can also claim a 30% federal tax credit on solar and battery installations. LADWP customers are not under NEM 3.0. This means you may still get better rates for sending extra power to the grid.
How can I spot a bad solar deal in LA?
Avoid companies not listed as LADWP-approved installers. Stay away from those without a valid CSLB license. Be cautious if a quote is much lower than others. LA solar jobs have real costs like permitting, inspections, and local requirements. A very low price could mean shortcuts. It could also mean missing steps in the process.
