The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) is the largest municipal utility in the United States, serving about 4 million residents inside the City of Los Angeles. LADWP has its own net metering rules — separate from the state's NEM 3.0 — which actually makes LADWP one of the best ADU solar markets in California.
Because LADWP is a publicly owned municipal utility, it sets its own solar tariff. As of 2026 LADWP still offers retail-rate net metering for residential solar — which is dramatically more favorable than the state's NEM 3.0 net billing in PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E territory.
For ADU owners inside the City of LA, this means solar exports are credited at full retail rate, not avoided cost. ROI is significantly faster than equivalent SCE or PG&E projects.
LA City Building & Safety enforces California's Title 24 energy code. Almost every new detached ADU in LA City requires solar at permit. LA City's solar permit fee is among the highest in California, which is built into project pricing.
LADWP runs its own Solar Incentive and interconnection program. PTO timelines tend to be slower than IOU utilities — often 6–12 weeks after submission. Your installer handles the application.
Cash packages start around $4,500 (slightly higher than non-LA jurisdictions due to LA City permit fees). Premium with battery runs $13,000–$16,000. Even with higher upfront cost, retail-rate net metering means payback is competitive with or faster than PG&E/SCE projects.
Yes, as of 2026 LADWP still credits residential solar exports at retail rate. This is significantly better than the NEM 3.0 net billing tariff used by PG&E, SCE, and SDG&E.
LADWP's interconnection volume is high and its staff smaller than the IOUs. Plan for 6–12 weeks from application to PTO.
Yes. The 30% federal ITC applies regardless of which utility serves your ADU.