LADWP Solar Rebate Calculator
This tool estimates solar project value with editable LADWP, SGIP, local rebate, battery, tax credit, export credit, and bill assumptions. It is for planning only. Always confirm current program rules before buying equipment.
Example Data Table
| Scenario | System Size | PV Cost | Local Rebate | Battery | Export Rate | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conservative | 5.0 kW | $3.75/W | $0/W | 0 kWh | $0.06/kWh | Basic bill offset |
| Balanced | 6.5 kW | $3.45/W | $0/W | 10 kWh | $0.09/kWh | Solar plus storage |
| High Production | 9.0 kW | $3.20/W | User entered | 13.5 kWh | User entered | Large roof project |
Formula Used
Annual solar production = System kW × Sun hours × 365 × Performance ratio.
Gross project cost = PV watts × Installed cost per watt + Battery kWh × Battery cost per kWh + Soft cost.
Direct incentive = Capped PV rebate + Capped battery incentive.
Credit value = (Gross cost − Direct incentive) × Credit percentage.
Net cost = Gross cost − Direct incentive − Credit value.
First-year benefit = Bill without solar − Bill with solar − Annual operation cost.
Simple payback = Net cost ÷ First-year benefit.
Lifetime ROI = (Lifetime net benefit − Net cost) ÷ Net cost × 100.
How to Use This Calculator
Enter your proposed solar system size first. Add your estimated installed cost. Use the rebate fields for any current LADWP, SGIP, local, or installer incentive. Enter zero when no incentive applies. Add battery size and battery incentive data if storage is included.
Next, add your monthly energy use, retail rate, export credit rate, and self-consumption estimate. Higher self-consumption usually improves value. Press the calculate button. The results will appear above the form and below the page header.
Solar Rebate Planning for LADWP Customers
Why Rebate Estimates Matter
Solar projects have many moving parts. A small change in incentive value can change payback. A small change in rate credit can also change savings. That is why a flexible calculator is useful. It lets a homeowner test many cases before requesting quotes.
Physics Behind the Estimate
The production model starts with system size. It then applies average sun hours and a performance ratio. This ratio allows losses from heat, wiring, inverter limits, dust, shade, and orientation. The result is a practical annual energy estimate. It is not a final engineering design.
Cost and Incentive Inputs
Project cost is based on watts and installed price. Battery cost is added separately. Soft costs cover permits, design, service upgrades, and extra work. Rebate fields are editable. This is important because programs can open, close, or change funding levels. The tool also includes a credit percentage field. Use it only when the project qualifies.
Bill Savings Logic
Solar value depends on where the energy goes. Energy used inside the home offsets retail purchases. Extra exported energy earns the export credit entered by the user. Fixed charges may remain after solar. The minimum bill field keeps the model realistic when credits cannot remove every charge.
Long-Term View
The calculator projects production degradation each year. It also increases utility rates by the escalation input. This creates a lifetime cash flow curve. The graph shows when cumulative savings cross the project cost. That crossing point is the estimated payback year.
Practical Use
Run a conservative case first. Then test a larger system, lower cost, better self-consumption, and possible storage support. Compare the results with installer proposals. Save the CSV or PDF for records. Use official program documents before making a final decision.
FAQs
1. Is this an official LADWP calculator?
No. It is an educational estimate. Use it for planning, quote comparison, and scenario testing. Always confirm current LADWP, SGIP, tax, and interconnection rules.
2. Why is the local rebate default set to zero?
Rebate programs change over time. A zero default avoids assuming a current direct rebate. Enter any verified incentive rate if your project qualifies.
3. What does performance ratio mean?
Performance ratio adjusts ideal solar output for real losses. These include inverter loss, heat, dirt, shading, wiring, and panel mismatch.
4. Should I include battery storage?
Include storage only if your quote includes it. Batteries may improve backup value and self-consumption, but they also increase upfront cost.
5. What is self-consumed solar?
It is the share of solar energy used directly by your home. Higher self-use often improves savings when export credits are lower than retail rates.
6. Why does the calculator include export credits?
Solar systems may send extra energy to the grid. Export credit value affects bill savings and payback, so the rate is editable.
7. What is simple payback?
Simple payback estimates how many years first-year net savings need to recover net project cost. It does not include financing details.
8. Can I use this for commercial projects?
You can test rough scenarios, but commercial tariffs and incentives can be complex. Add verified rates, demand charges, and tax treatment separately.