December 30, 2025 • 12 min read • West LA EV Life Team
Solar + EV Charging: Real Cost Breakdown from 50 West LA Households
We analyzed real electricity bills and solar production data from 50 West LA homeowners who combined solar panels with home EV charging. Here's exactly how much they save per year, complete ROI timelines, and whether it's worth it for your home.
Average Savings: $1,847/Year
Key Findings
- Average annual savings: $1,847 for West LA homeowners with solar + EV
- ROI timeline: 6-9 years for typical 6-8 kW solar system
- Best case: $2,400+/year savings with large EV and high mileage
- California NEM 3.0 makes solar + battery + EV combo even more valuable
The Math: Real Savings Breakdown
Let's start with actual numbers from our survey of 50 West LA homeowners who've combined solar panels with EV charging for at least one full year.
Average West LA Household (2024 Data)
Annual Home Electric Bill
$1,680
(Without solar)
Annual EV Charging Cost
$720
(12,000 miles @ $0.35/kWh)
Total Without Solar
$2,400
per year
AFTER SOLAR (6 kW System)
$553/year
True-up bill (grid fees only)
💰 Annual Savings: $1,847
Cost Breakdown: Solar System Investment
Here's what it actually costs to install a solar system sized for a home + EV in West LA:
| System Size | Gross Cost | Federal Tax Credit (30%) | Net Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW (Small) | $12,500 | -$3,750 | $8,750 |
| 6 kW (Average) ⭐ | $15,000 | -$4,500 | $10,500 |
| 8 kW (Large) | $20,000 | -$6,000 | $14,000 |
* Prices based on 2024-2025 West LA market rates. Federal ITC (Investment Tax Credit) of 30% available through 2032. Does not include potential LADWP or state incentives.
ROI Timeline Analysis
6 kW System Example (Most Common)
- Year 0: Install system. Net cost after tax credit: $10,500
- Years 1-5: Save $1,847/year = $9,235 total saved
- Year 6: ✅ BREAK EVEN - System paid for itself!
- Years 7-25: Pure profit! Total savings over 25 years: $35,675+
Real West LA Case Studies
Here are actual examples from our survey respondents:
The Maximizer
Westwood, 2,200 sq ft home
Solar System
8 kW
EV
Tesla Model Y
Annual Mileage
18,000 miles
"Our solar system paid for itself in 5.5 years. Now we're essentially driving for free AND our home electricity is free. Best investment we ever made." - Michael T.
The Average User
Santa Monica, 1,800 sq ft condo
Solar System
6 kW
EV
Chevy Bolt EUV
Annual Mileage
12,000 miles
"We're on track for a 6-year payback. The LADWP bills are so low now it's almost funny. Wish we'd done this sooner!" - Jennifer L.
The Modest Driver
Brentwood, 1,500 sq ft home
Solar System
5 kW
EV
Nissan Leaf
Annual Mileage
8,000 miles
"Even with a smaller system and less driving, we're saving over $100/month. ROI will be about 7 years, which is still great." - Robert K.
California NEM 3.0: What Changed?
California's Net Energy Metering (NEM) 3.0 went into effect in April 2023, significantly changing the economics of solar. Here's what West LA solar + EV owners need to know:
NEM 3.0 Key Changes
- 📉 Lower export rates: Excess solar sent to grid pays 75% less than before
- 📈 Time-of-use matters more: Solar generated 4-9pm (peak) worth more
- 🔋 Battery storage incentivized: Store excess for use during peak hours
- ⚡ Self-consumption is king: Using solar power immediately (like EV charging) is most valuable
Why Solar + EV Is Perfect Under NEM 3.0
EV charging is the perfect use case for solar under NEM 3.0 because:
- High self-consumption: You're using solar power directly instead of exporting at low rates
- Flexible timing: Charge during the day when solar is producing (not peak evening rates)
- Large energy use: EVs use 3,000-4,500 kWh/year - perfect for absorbing solar production
- Predictable pattern: Daily commute = daily charging = consistent solar usage
Should You Add Battery Storage?
With NEM 3.0, battery storage has become more attractive. Here's the cost-benefit analysis:
| Battery Option | Cost (After Tax Credit) | Additional Annual Savings | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 2 (13.5 kWh) | $8,400 | $420-600 | 14-20 years |
| LG Chem RESU (9.8 kWh) | $7,000 | $300-450 | 15-23 years |
| Enphase IQ Battery (10 kWh) | $7,700 | $350-500 | 15-22 years |
💡 Our Take on Batteries:
For most West LA homeowners with EVs: Batteries are optional for maximizing solar value. The longer ROI (14-20 years vs 6-9 years for solar) makes them less compelling unless you:
- Experience frequent power outages (rare in West LA)
- Have TOU rates with extreme peak pricing
- Want energy independence / backup power
- Can get additional local incentives
Bottom line: Solar + EV is highly profitable even without batteries. Add storage later if needed.
Installation Timeline & Process
Here's what to expect when adding solar to power your home and EV:
Site Assessment & Quote (1-2 weeks)
Get 3-5 quotes from reputable installers. They'll analyze your roof, electric bills, and EV charging needs. Ask about LADWP and federal incentives.
Permitting & Approvals (2-4 weeks)
Installer handles LA City permits and LADWP interconnection application. This takes longest but requires little from you.
Installation (1-3 days)
Crew installs panels, inverter, and wiring. Most residential installs complete in 1-2 days. Minimal disruption to daily life.
Inspection & Permission to Operate (1-2 weeks)
LA City inspects installation, LADWP grants permission to operate (PTO). System can't be turned on until PTO received.
Go Live! Start Saving
System activated. Monitor production via app. Start charging your EV with clean, free solar power!
Total timeline: 6-10 weeks from signing contract to system activation. In West LA, most installs complete on the faster end (6-8 weeks) due to experienced local installers.
Top Solar Installers for West LA
Based on survey respondents' recommendations, these installers have strong track records in West LA:
Tesla Solar
Competitive pricing, integrated Powerwall option, streamlined permitting.
Avg price: $2.20/watt
Sunrun
Full-service provider, excellent warranty, lease/PPA options available.
Avg price: $2.45/watt
Freedom Forever
25-year production guarantee, local LA team, fast installation.
Avg price: $2.35/watt
Momentum Solar
Premium panels, strong warranty, white-glove service.
Avg price: $2.50/watt
FAQs: Solar + EV in West LA
Will solar cover 100% of my EV charging?
Typically yes, if your system is properly sized. A 6 kW system produces about 9,000-10,000 kWh/year in West LA - enough to cover average home use (7,000 kWh) plus typical EV charging (3,500 kWh for 12,000 miles). Excess production in summer offsets winter usage through net metering.
Can I still charge my EV at night with solar?
Yes! With net metering, excess solar production during the day is sent to the grid and credited to your account. You draw from the grid at night, but the credits offset those charges. Alternatively, add battery storage to use your own solar power 24/7.
What if I move before the system pays for itself?
Studies show solar increases home value by 3-4% on average - often more than the system cost. You can also transfer the loan/lease to the new owner, or take the system with you (though rarely practical). In West LA's hot real estate market, solar is a strong selling point.
Does solar make sense for condos/townhomes?
It depends on your roof situation. If you have a dedicated roof section or balcony space, yes! Many West LA condo HOAs now allow solar installations. Community solar programs are also becoming available for multi-unit buildings where individual systems aren't practical.
What about cloudy days?
West LA has ~280 sunny days per year - excellent for solar! On cloudy days, panels still produce 10-25% of normal output, plus you draw from the grid. Net metering balances everything out annually. Your system is sized based on annual production, not daily.
Bottom Line: Is Solar + EV Worth It?
✅ YES, if you:
- Own your home (or have long-term lease with landlord approval)
- Plan to stay 6+ years (to reach break-even)
- Have suitable roof (south/west-facing, minimal shade)
- Drive 8,000+ miles per year in your EV
- Have cash or can finance at reasonable rate (<7% APR)
Expected Results:
$1,200 - $2,500/year savings
6-9 year payback | $35,000-60,000 lifetime savings
"Best financial decision we made for our home" - 86% of respondents
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