These days, it seems like solar panels are everywhere — especially in Southern California. The large number of homes with solar panels in Los Angeles may be attributed to our ideal climate, along with state or local initiatives that encourage solar installation. Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the U.S., ranks #2 in the nation for most solar energy systems installed. At the end of 2016, the city had 267 megawatts of total solar installed, falling just behind San Diego, at 303 megawatts.
For those looking to live in the Los Angeles area, here are the top neighborhoods for solar based on a combination of factors, including solar saturation (the amount of solar homes out of the total houses in a zip code) as well as key attributes that contribute to the overall quality of living.
The town of Santa Clarita has a solar saturation of 21.2%, making it the third most saturated neighborhood for solar panels in the Los Angeles area. With 225,000 residents and 6,000 business owners, the L.A. suburb is booming with life; CNN Money Magazine even deemed it “one of the best places to live in California.”
Santa Clarita is distinguished by its award-winning schools, and the town boasts extensive trail systems, and culture and recreational programs that make it especially enjoyable to live in. For those looking to buy, the median home value is $417,400 and average rent sits around $1,650. Additionally, the residential demographic holds an A+ rating based on ethnic and economic diversity. The Santa Clarita neighborhood of Valencia, in particular, is the most solar-saturated zip code in all of Los Angeles. Not only is solar panel installation for Los Angeles’ already-high standards extra prominent here, it’s a great place to settle down.
Just south of Santa Clarita, still within the northern part of Los Angeles county, is the suburb of Castaic. Here, nearly 15% of homes have solar panels. Los Angeles County residents that reside here are surrounded by alternative energy, as Castaic Lake — part of the California Water Project — is the site of a hydro-electric power plant.
The town has a population of more than 19,000 with a median home value of $425,200. Median rent is $1,346 and the median age of its residents is 36 years old. It’s known for its good public schools, diversity and being a top place to raise families.
For Manhattan Beach, one of the top beach towns in Los Angeles, the sun is no stranger. It’s one of the most affluent neighborhoods in the area, with a median home value of $1,537,200. Manhattan Beach also falls into the top 10 in California for the categories of “Best Places to Retire,” “Best Suburbs to Live,” and “Best Suburbs to Raise a Family,” according to Niche.com. Its top-rated schools make it appealing for families, its bustling nightlife attracts the urbanites, and, business professionals frequent the area thanks to its close proximity to LAX.
Solar panels in this Los Angeles beach-town complement the nature of the area; while the cost of living is higher, residents look to solar energy as a way to save — and capitalize on the abundant sunlight.
Glendale is the third largest city in Los Angeles County and is considered one of the most livable areas. It’s home to nearly 200,000 residents and ranks in the A-grade category for public schools, diversity, nightlife and families (it was even deemed one of the safest cities in America by the FBI!). The L.A. Zoo, Norton Simon Museum and hiking trails in the San Gabriel Mountains are some major attractions nearby.
Solar panels for Los Angeles residents that reside here are a viable option and way to save on electricity bills in your median $809,000 home, and you’ll fit in with your eco- and health-conscious neighbors. In fact, Glendale ranks #13 among the “Healthiest Cities in America” and the “Healthiest Places to Live in America”.
Just six miles from downtown Los Angeles, South Pasadena ranks #15 as the “Best Suburb to Live in California”. It’s known as the City of Trees (21,000+ to be more exact), which plays well with its environment-friendly theme that welcomes solar panels. Los Angeles residents that reside here will find a charming community known for its stunning homes, robust small business economy and top-notch schools. Homes here have a median value of $876,900, with average rent around $1,500.
These neighborhoods for solar installation in Los Angeles have earned their spot at the top. Their overall high livability and other friendly features make them very attractive to those looking to settle in Los Angeles; but since L.A. is known for its dense population and high pollution levels, it’s important to consider installing solar panels. Los Angeles residents not only are able to reduce their carbon-footprint by investing in solar energy, they can invest in improving the overall quality of air in the area.
Ready to join them? Learn more about Semper Solaris, the #1 trusted solar company in Los Angeles.
