What is Solar Rooftops?
SRP is designed to expand access to solar participation for qualified LADWP residential customers who otherwise may not be able to participate in solar because of the high cost of installing panels. The program launched in early 2017 and was revised to expand the program's scope and eligibility in May 2019.
Through the SRP, LADWP will install solar panels systems on participants' homes. LADWP will receive the energy produced from the systems; the system will not influence the participants' electric bills. Program participants will receive fixed roof lease payments from the LADWP. Depending on the installed system size, the lease payment will be between $240 and $600 per year. The agreement is valid for up to 20 years and can therefore provide cumulative financial benefits between $4,800 and $12,000 depending on system size.
Solar Rooftops installations provide energy directly to the grid to help LADWP meet the clean energy goals of Los Angeles and California. LADWP performs a home evaluation, issues permits, develops designs, and installs the SRP system at zero cost to customers. There are no upfront costs, annual fees, credit checks or maintenance costs for program participants. The SRP will enable customers to help the LADWP modernize its grid and support the creation of a cleaner Los Angeles.
Sign-up for Solar Rooftops and support green energy, help create local jobs, and protect the environment.
Eligibility
All LADWP residential customers are eligible to participate in Solar Rooftops. To qualify, customers must:
- Be located in the L.A. service area
- Have a residential electric rate schedule (R1-A, R1-B, R1-D, or R1-E)
- Have not participated in LADWP's Solar Incentive Program
The home must be:
- Owner-occupied
- Able to satisfy LADWP evaluations and other criteria
How to apply
Customers may submit an application online, by email or by mail.
Online
Log into or create an LADWP online account. Fill out the online application form. LADWP will also review your LADWP bill, already linked to your online account.
Mail or email
Download, print and complete the PDF application.
Once complete, mail application to:
LADWP Community Solar Program
Room L63
111 N. Hope Street, Room 968
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Or scan the completed application and email items to: [email protected]
How It Works
After a customer applies for Solar Rooftops, the LADWP will inspect the home to ensure eligibility. An inspection is needed to ensure that the roof can support the solar panel system, and there are no shading issues from nearby structures. After passing inspection, the LADWP will build and own a solar panel system between one (1) to ten (10) kilowatts (kW) on the customer’s rooftop. This process includes designing the solar panel package and pulling a permit from the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). After the LADBS inspects and approves the installed solar panel system, it will be connected to the LADWP’s system. LADWP will receive all of the energy generated by the system and the home consumption will not be affected. The customer will receive a check or bill credit as payment for the use of the rooftop, regardless of the amount of solar energy produced from the system. For additional information, please read the Solar Rooftops Guidelines:
Frequently Asked Questions
LADWP will receive all electrical energy production from the solar panels to provide energy for the City of Los Angeles.
The SRP can provide greater financial benefits when compared to net energy metered solar systems acquired through a lease or loan for customers with low to moderate energy usage. Additionally, customers get a financial benefit for no up-front or ongoing costs.
The optimal financial solar plan is available to customers who can purchase the solar system outright. Immediate solar ownership eliminates the need to pay interest on loans or escalating costs through system leases. Online tools such as Google Project Sunroof can provide customers with more detailed options to consider.
No, there are no costs, fees, or credit checks required to enroll.
After passing inspection and being approved for program participation, a customer could have an installed solar panel system within two (2) to four (4) months of submitting an application.
Approved program participants will receive a check annually. This program will not impact your LADWP bill until those checks are replaced with a $20-50 monthly bill credit, at LADWP’s discretion.
LADWP’s Solar Rooftops Program (SRP) will pay $240- $600 per year depending on the size of the system (kW), for up to 20 years (up to $4,800-$12,000).
The term length is up to 20 years, but customers may opt-out of the program at any time after the first year in the program.
LADWP will receive all electrical energy production from the solar panels.
The design and construction of the solar panel system will be done by LADWP staff, including members of LADWP’s Utility Pre-Craft Training Program.
Participants may submit a claim form to address any roof damage possibly caused by LADWP. An investigation will take place to determine the root cause of the damage. LADWP will reimburse the participants for any necessary repairs made, for damages we cause.
No, LADWP will take care of applying and securing permits from the LADBS.
The system will operate when the sun is shining, but there are times of the year that are peak for solar generation, depending on the system’s orientation. A typical Los Angeles solar system will show peak solar energy generation during the late spring and early summer months, with the lowest generation in December and January. There are also times of the day that provide the greatest energy generation, depending upon the orientation of a customer’s solar panel system. When the sun is not shining, the system would not generate.
No. Solar panels only generate energy with adequate sunlight. Solar systems do not typically generate energy at night, or when it is raining. There can also be fluctuations depending on the time of day and available sunlight.
Yes. The power will also be interrupted for the safety of our repair crews. For safety reasons, we cannot have energy from the solar panel system feeding into the power line, causing severe injury or death to our repair personnel.
You may opt-out of the program before moving or selling your home. Otherwise the new owner will have the option to keep the solar panel system for the remainder of the lease term or opt-out of the program.
Contact us.
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Phone (866) 484-0433
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Email [email protected]
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