The Best Month for Los Angeles Homeowners to Go Solar

Los Angeles households are entering fall with more than just cooler evenings and shorter days. Behind the seasonal shift lies a harsher reality: electricity rates are climbing again, and homeowners who rely on the grid are footing the bill.

As of October 1, 2025, Southern California Edison (SCE) raised its average residential rate from about 31.4¢ per kWh to 35.3¢ per kWh — a 12.9% increase in one month. Combine that with seasonal changes in energy use, and the cost of doing nothing is higher than ever.

If you’ve been holding off on solar, fall is the season to act. Here’s why.

The Fall Energy Spike in Los Angeles

While summer is often blamed for high bills, fall can hit just as hard for many households.

• Extended lighting use: Shorter days mean lights stay on longer.
• Evening appliance use: Families gather indoors more often, running TVs, computers, and kitchen appliances during expensive peak-rate hours.
• Ongoing AC demand: Los Angeles doesn’t exactly “cool off” in October — many homes still run their air conditioning in the afternoons, right when SCE’s time-of-use (TOU) rates are highest.

That means your fall bill is inflated not just by higher rates but by how you’re forced to use electricity.

Why Delaying Solar This Season Costs More

1. Rates Just Jumped Again

SCE’s October increase raised rates to 35.3¢/kWh before credits. For peak times, rates often spike to 50–70¢/kWh. The longer you stay tied to the grid, the more you pay for the same usage.

2. Bills Are Structurally Changing

Thanks to Assembly Bill 205, utilities like SCE are moving toward Base Services Charges — fixed fees that you pay regardless of how much energy you use. Solar becomes one of the only ways to cut your bill meaningfully.

3. Year-End Solar Rush

Permits, inspections, and installations always slow down in December as homeowners rush to lock in their 30% federal tax credit before year-end. If you wait until winter, you may not have enough time to qualify for 2025 incentives.

4. Lost ROI Every Month

With Los Angeles homeowners paying over 60% more per kWh than the U.S. average, every month without solar means throwing away money that could have gone toward your system’s payback.

The Solar Advantage for Los Angeles Homes This Fall

Going solar isn’t just about escaping higher bills — it’s about gaining control when utilities keep raising rates.

• Cut your bill fast: Solar offsets the most expensive hours of the day.
• Beat TOU spikes: With panels producing power during afternoon and early evening, you avoid the highest peak costs.
• Stabilize future bills: Even as utilities restructure charges, your system keeps generating savings.
• Smart home ready: Solar prepares your home for EV charging, battery storage, and energy-efficient upgrades that make sense in today’s tech-driven households.

Why US Power and Qcells Are Leading the Way

Not all solar panels perform the same under Los Angeles’ conditions. At US Power, we install Qcells panels, built for heat resistance and backed by a 25-year warranty.

• High efficiency without the high cost – Up to 21.8% efficiency, priced lower than other premium panels.
• California performance – Designed to maintain strong output even in hot Valley conditions.
• Long-term reliability – Backed by one of the strongest warranties in the industry.

REC panels are another excellent option, especially for smaller rooftops needing maximum efficiency. Together, these brands provide Los Angeles homeowners with the best return on investment without overpaying for hype.

Why October Is the Right Season to Switch

• Utility bills are up — 12.9% higher starting this month.
• Seasonal energy use rises — lights, appliances, and cooling overlap in fall.
• December backlog is coming — installers get booked fast before incentives roll over.
• Every bill you pay now is money wasted — it could be building equity in your solar system instead.

Take Control Before Winter Hits

If you live in Los Angeles, waiting until winter isn’t an option. Each week you delay solar, you’re handing more of your household budget to SCE.

US Power makes switching easy with factory-direct Qcells panels, transparent proposals, and fast installation timelines that ensure you don’t miss this year’s tax credit.

Book an appointment with US Power and secure your system before the holiday rush.