Is solar worth it in 90401 (Santa Monica, CA)?

With an average payback period of 5.2 years and 25-year savings of $72,200, solar panels in Santa Monica, California are an excellent investment.

How much do solar panels cost in 90401?

The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in Santa Monica, California is $15,000 before incentives. The federal 30% Investment Tax Credit reduces this to about $10,500.

How much solar electricity does 90401 get?

Santa Monica receives 5.93 kWh/m²/day of solar irradiance. A 6kW system in zip code 90401 produces approximately 10,389 kWh per year.

Solar Panel ROI in 90401

Santa Monica, California — Is solar worth it here? Here's what the data says.

4.8x ROI Score

5.2 yrs Payback Period

$2,888/yr Annual Savings

$72,200 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $2,888

Payback 5.2 yrs

25-yr savings $72,200

Solar Calculator for 90401 (Santa Monica)

Adjust values to see your personalized solar ROI estimate for Santa Monica, California.

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

5.93 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Santa Monica, CA

ROI Score 4.8x

Annual Production 10,389 kWh

Annual Savings $2,888

Payback Period 5.2 years

25-Year Savings $72,200

After 30% ITC $10,500

Solar Data for 90401 – Santa Monica, CA

Solar Irradiance 5.93 kWh/m²/day +19.6% vs national avg

vs California Avg +5.5% State avg: 5.87 kWh/m²/day

Electricity Rate $0.278/kWh California average rate

Annual Production 10,389 kWh 6kW system estimate

Santa Monica receives 5.93 kWh/m²/day — 19.6% above the national average. At $0.278/kWh, the 5.2-year payback is among the fastest in the country. Annual savings of $2,888 make solar an excellent investment here.

Solar Incentives for Santa Monica, California

★

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Claim 30% of your system cost as a federal tax credit. On a $15,000 system, that's $4,500 back.

★

Net Metering

Most California utilities offer net metering — sell excess electricity back to the grid at retail rates, accelerating your payback.

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California State Programs

Check with the California energy office for additional rebates, tax exemptions, and low-interest solar financing programs available in Santa Monica.

90401 vs California Average

Solar Irradiance

90401: 5.93 CA avg: 5.87

Payback Period

90401: 5.2 yrs CA avg: 5.6 yrs

Annual Savings

90401: $2,888 CA avg: $2,697

25-Year Savings

90401: $72,200 CA avg: $67,425

See the full California solar guide for statewide data and incentives.

Nearby Zip Codes — Solar Comparison

90230 Culver City, CA 4.8x ROI 5.2 yr payback 90210 Beverly Hills, CA 4.8x ROI 5.2 yr payback 90250 Hawthorne, CA 4.8x ROI 5.2 yr payback 90028 Hollywood, CA 4.8x ROI 5.2 yr payback 91601 North Hollywood, CA 4.8x ROI 5.2 yr payback