LOS ANGELES · CALIFORNIA

LA RENTERS: CALIFORNIA SIGNED SB 868.
HERE'S WHAT IT MEANS.

SIGNED — SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

$0.314Approx. CA average rate (LADWP and SCE both serve parts of LA - rates vary, verify your specific utility)1,200WMaximum covered systemJan 1, 2027Effective date

YOUR LOCAL UTILITY

LA IS SERVED BY TWO DIFFERENT UTILITIES.

Los Angeles is served by two different utilities depending on your address: LADWP (LA Department of Water and Power, a municipal utility covering most of the city) and Southern California Edison (SCE, covering surrounding areas). Their rates and programs differ - check which serves your specific address before assuming any number applies to your bill.

Important limitationsSB 868 is signed and takes effect January 1, 2027, but it does not override landlords or HOAs. They may still prohibit installations. The law also provides no export credit unless you already have rooftop solar with a bidirectional meter.

UNDER SB 868

SOL COUNTRY'S LA KIT RECOMMENDATION.

LA's near-constant sun means most balconies can perform close to rated capacity. South- and west-facing balconies with minimal shading are the strongest candidates, where installation is permitted.

SOL COUNTRY RECOMMENDATION

A 395-800W kit depending on balcony exposure. LA's near-constant sun means most balconies perform close to rated capacity. Confirm landlord or HOA permission because SB 868 does not override them.

395W

~$54/yr · estimated

800W

~$110/yr · estimated

1,200W

~$165/yr · law's max · estimated

Savings are estimates using California's average residential rate; your utility, solar exposure, and self-consumption will change the result. SB 868 provides no export credit.

OTHER OPTIONS AVAILABLE NOW

MORE WAYS TO LOWER YOUR BILL.

Both LADWP and SCE run their own community solar and energy assistance programs. The specific options available to you depend on which utility serves your address - worth checking both before assuming what's available.

COMMUNITY SOLAR

California has multiple established community solar and Community Solar Green Tariff programs. At $0.314/kWh average, even a modest discount is real money.

Explore →

CARE / FERA

California's CARE and FERA programs provide automatic bill discounts for qualifying households - independent of SB 868.

CARE & FERA bill discounts →

BATTERY (SGIP)

California's Self-Generation Incentive Program pays $200+/kWh for qualifying battery installations.

Explore →

← Back to California state page

State alerts · No spam

Remind me when California's law takes effect on January 1, 2027.