How Many Solar Panels Do You Need in Los Angeles? A Homeowner's Guide

If you're a Los Angeles homeowner thinking about making the switch to solar, one of the first things you’ll likely ask is: “How many solar panels do I actually need?” It’s a crucial question—especially when you’re considering the investment and long-term benefits of solar energy.

It’s a smart and important question—and the answer depends on several local factors like your energy use, sunlight exposure, and roof space.

Why Panel Count Matters When Going Solar

Knowing how many panels you’ll need helps you estimate your:

• System cost
• Monthly savings
• Payback period
• Energy independence

In a sunny city like Los Angeles, going solar is one of the best investments a homeowner can make. But understanding your system size is the foundation of a smart solar decision.

1. Your Electricity Usage

Your annual electricity consumption—measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh)—is the biggest factor in determining how many home solar panels you’ll need. In Los Angeles, energy usage can spike in the summer due to air conditioning, pool pumps, or EV charging.

Here’s a general idea:

• Small home (energy efficient): 6,000–8,000 kWh/year
• Average LA home: 9,000–11,000 kWh/year
• Large home or EV owner: 13,000–18,000+ kWh/year

Grab a recent LADWP or SoCal Edison bill to find your monthly usage, then multiply by 12 to estimate your annual needs.

2. Los Angeles Sunlight Advantage

Los Angeles homeowners have a big advantage: abundant sunshine. Most areas in LA average 5.5 to 6.5 peak sun hours per day, making it one of the best regions in the U.S. for solar production.

That means you can produce more energy with fewer panels compared to homes in cloudier states. If you're planning to install solar, LA’s climate helps maximize your system's output and return on investment.

3. Solar Panel Wattage and Efficiency

Most home solar panels today range from 350W to 450W. The higher the wattage, the fewer panels you need. In LA, due to strong sun exposure, many homeowners choose high-efficiency panels to get the most value per square foot.

Panel Wattage: 350W

Annual Output (at 6 sun hours/day): ~767 kWh/year

Panel Wattage: 400W

Annual Output (at 6 sun hours/day): ~876 kWh/year

Panel Wattage: 450W

Annual Output (at 6 sun hours/day): ~985 kWh/year

4. Roof Size and Orientation in LA Homes

From Spanish-style bungalows in Echo Park to contemporary homes in Venice, roof sizes and angles in Los Angeles vary greatly. South-facing roofs get the most sun, but our team can also install on east or west-facing roofs with smart design.

If roof space is limited or shaded (by palm trees or nearby structures), we may recommend fewer, higher-efficiency panels, or even ground-mounted options if space allows.

5. Quick Calculation for LA Homeowners

Here’s a simplified way to estimate how many panels you’ll need:

Number of Panels = Annual Electricity Use ÷ (Panel Wattage × 6 Sun Hours × 365 × 0.8 Efficiency)

Example: A Los Angeles home using 10,000 kWh/year with 400W panels and 6 sun hours/day:

10,000 ÷ (400 × 6 × 365 × 0.8) ≈ 19–21 panels

(We apply an 80% efficiency factor to account for real-world performance.)

6. Net Metering & Local Incentives in Los Angeles

When you install solar in Los Angeles, you're eligible for California’s Net Energy Metering (NEM 3.0) program, which gives you credits for excess energy your system exports to the grid. This reduces your utility bills over time.

Plus, you can still claim the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). US Power also helps identify any LADWP rebates or financing programs available for your ZIP code.

7. Grid-Tied or Battery Backup?

Most LA homeowners opt for grid-tied systems without batteries, using the grid as backup and saving on costs. However, with rising utility rates and growing demand for energy independence, more households are choosing to include battery storage.

If you’re adding a battery (like QCells, or Enphase IQ), your panel count may increase slightly to charge the battery while still meeting your household demand.

Why US Power is the Best Choice for Los Angeles Solar Installation

At US Power, we understand Los Angeles—from the building codes in Beverly Hills to the permit process in Culver City. We offer:

• Custom system design for your home and energy profile
• Fast, code-compliant solar permitting in LA County
• High-efficiency equipment built for Southern California’s sun
• Full-service support from consultation to post-install care

When you partner with us to install solar, you’re choosing a local expert who understands what LA homeowners need.

Take Control of Your Energy in Los Angeles

Installing home solar panels isn’t just a smart financial move—it’s a powerful step toward energy freedom. With high electricity rates, sunny weather, and solid local incentives, there's never been a better time to go solar in LA.

Let US Power help you determine the right system size and walk you through every step—from panel count to final solar installation.

Request a free solar consultation today and see how easy it is to install solar with US Power, your trusted Los Angeles solar experts.