Community Solar: Los Angeles vs Palmdale
How do community solar rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Palmdale, CA?
Los Angeles and Palmdale have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power runs community solar through the Solar Rooftops Program and LADWP Rule 25, letting renters and apartment dwellers subscribe to shared offsite arrays under California SB-43's statewide community solar pilot.
View full Los Angeles rules →Palmdale, CA
Los Angeles County
California SB-43 created the Green Tariff Shared Renewables program letting LA County renters and shaded-roof homeowners subscribe to community solar shares without on-site panels. LA County Waterworks pilots and Southern California Edison Green Rate provide enrollment paths countywide.
View full Palmdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Operator | LADWP municipal utility | - |
| Statewide framework | California SB-43 | - |
| Programs | Solar Rooftops, Feed-In Tariff | - |
| Eligible customers | Renters, apartments, businesses | - |
| Interconnection rule | LADWP Rule 25 | - |
| State authority | - | SB-43 Public Utilities Code §2833 |
| Utility provider | - | Southern California Edison |
| Subscriber benefit | - | Bill credits, avoided cost |
| Low-income discount | - | 20 percent enhanced rate |
| County pilots | - | Waterworks Districts rooftop |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Can apartment renters in LA subscribe to community solar?
Yes. LADWP's Shared Solar and Feed-In Tariff offerings let renters and businesses without rooftop access purchase a share of offsite generation and receive proportional bill credits each month, similar to SB-43 programs statewide.
What is the Solar Rooftops Program?
LADWP leases unused commercial and apartment rooftops, installs utility-owned solar, and pays the property owner. Energy flows directly to the LADWP grid, supporting the city's 100 percent renewable goal.
Palmdale FAQ
I rent in East LA. Can I subscribe to community solar?
Yes. Renters and shaded-roof homeowners in Southern California Edison territory can enroll in the Green Rate or Community Renewables programs online without installing panels. Income-qualified households get the enhanced Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff.
How much can I save with community solar?
Standard subscribers see modest savings or premium pricing depending on the contract. Income-qualified Disadvantaged Communities Green Tariff subscribers receive a 20 percent discount on their share of solar generation, often a meaningful monthly reduction.
Compare other topics
See how Los Angeles and Palmdale compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool