Solar Installers Market: ZIP 00685
Opportunity Score
39
/ 100
Challenging
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 00685 is an urban area with low foot traffic. with a population of 40,323 and household incomes below the national median ($17,909).
Area Profile
40,323
Population
$17,909
Median Income
-76% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
3.4/20
Foot Traffic
Very Car-Dependent
Median Age: 46.0 —
older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 16.7% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$540
2BR Fair Market Rent
$470
Median Gross Rent
$110 K
Median Home Value
2
Bank Branches
$490 K deposits
Tips for Starting a Solar Business in ZIP 00685
- The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the single biggest factor in your customers' buying decisions. Know the current rate and expiration timeline cold.
- Become a certified installer for at least two major panel manufacturers. Certification unlocks better wholesale pricing and warranty terms.
- Permitting and interconnection timelines vary wildly by utility. In some territories it takes 2 weeks. In others, 6 months. Map this before you set customer expectations.
- Roof condition kills more solar deals than price objections. Partner with a roofer or learn to assess roof life remaining.
- Median income sits at $17,909. Price sensitivity is real. Build your model around volume or keep overhead minimal.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Very Car-Dependent
- Bank Branches
- 2
vs. National Average
Median Income
-76% vs. $74,580
Walkability
-7.1 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
00678
7.1 mi
Pop: 24,848
$22,994
Walk: 3.6
00670
7.2 mi
Pop: 8,553
$16,278
Walk: 2.6
00676
8.1 mi
Pop: 36,836
$21,230
Walk: 3.3
00669
8.2 mi
Pop: 27,534
$19,198
Walk: 2.9
00627
9.2 mi
Pop: 32,753
$26,094
Walk: 3.5
00662
9.5 mi
Pop: 40,705
$20,673
Walk: 4.4
00610
10.9 mi
Pop: 25,413
$23,732
Walk: 4.6
00611
12.2 mi
Pop: 1,522
$22,566
Check Another Market
Or estimate costs with the SolarBreakeven calculator.
About This Data
Data sources
U.S. Census Bureau (ACS, ZBP) · HUD Fair Market Rents · EPA Walkability Index · USDA RUCA · IRS SOI · FDIC Summary of Deposits