The short answer
- LADWP serves the City of Los Angeles and still offers retail net metering: exports become bill credits at your normal rate.
- That makes solar alone a better deal in LA than with SCE or SDG&E's net billing; a battery adds backup but less savings.
- LADWP's own solar rebate program has ended. Low-income homes can join the state SGIP equity waitlist that LADWP administers.
- Credits left when you close your account are zeroed: size the system to your use.
Solar in the City of LA
LADBS issued 4,063 home solar permits in 2025, up 26% from 2024; 23% included a battery. City of LA figures and neighborhoods →
How LADWP net metering works
If you use more than you produce in a billing period, you pay for the net energy at your normal rate; if you produce more, the excess becomes a credit on your balance for later bills (except taxes and minimum charges). There's no cash-out or annual payment, and credit left when service ends is set to zero (LADWP NEM guidelines).
Getting connected
Your installer applies on LADWP's Solar Automated Meter Spot site and pulls an LADBS permit (express permits cover rooftop systems up to 10 kW). LADBS and LADWP inspect before the net meter goes in. Batteries need LADWP engineering review. See LADWP's rules and LA permits.
Is a battery worth it with LADWP?
For savings alone, usually less than in SCE territory, because exports already earn full credit. For backup during outages, yes; see battery backup.
Checked against official sources on Oct 1, 2026. Sources are linked in the text. Not legal, tax or financial advice.