Solar Installers Market: ZIP 16502
Opportunity Score
50
/ 100
Fair
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 16502 is an urban area with high foot traffic. with a population of 15,815 and household incomes below the national median ($34,649). There are 3 solar installers operations in ZIP 16502.
Area Profile
15,815
Population
$34,649
Median Income
-54% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
16.5/20
Foot Traffic
Very Walkable
Median Age: 32.7 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 11.6% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 16502.
3
Solar Installers
Low competition — room to establish
1.9 per 10K residents
3
Roofing Contractors
1.9 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 50.0% of the relevant market in ZIP 16502 (3 vs. 3 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,050
2BR Fair Market Rent
$831
Median Gross Rent
$90 K
Median Home Value
Tips for Starting a Solar Business in Pennsylvania
- 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 $34,649. Price sensitivity is real. Build your model around volume or keep overhead minimal.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Very Walkable
- Solar Installers
- 3
- Related Businesses
- 3
vs. National Average
Median Income
-54% vs. $74,580
Walkability
+6.0 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
16508
1.1 mi
Pop: 15,156
$52,361
Walk: 14.6
16501
1.1 mi
Pop: 1,919
$14,579
16550
1.9 mi
Pop: 0
Walk: 13.1
16505
1.9 mi
Pop: 15,631
$71,370
Walk: 11.8
16507
2.3 mi
Pop: 8,653
$34,474
Walk: 14.9
16503
3.0 mi
Pop: 15,204
$29,108
Walk: 15.5
16546
3.3 mi
Pop: 1,138
Walk: 13.9
16504
3.6 mi
Pop: 15,632
$51,988
Walk: 14.3
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