Solar Installers Market: ZIP 18103
Opportunity Score
58
/ 100
Fair
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 18103 is an urban area with moderate foot traffic. with a population of 47,336 and household incomes near the national median ($72,545). There are 4 solar installers operations in ZIP 18103.
Area Profile
47,336
Population
$72,545
Median Income
-3% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
13.4/20
Foot Traffic
Walkable
Median Age: 39.8 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 19.3% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 18103.
4
Solar Installers
Low competition — room to establish
0.8 per 10K residents
3
Roofing Contractors
0.6 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 57.1% of the relevant market in ZIP 18103 (4 vs. 3 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,520
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,333
Median Gross Rent
$240 K
Median Home Value
8
Bank Branches
$1.1 M deposits
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.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Walkable
- Solar Installers
- 4
- Related Businesses
- 3
- Bank Branches
- 8
vs. National Average
Median Income
-3% vs. $74,580
Walkability
+2.9 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
18101
2.6 mi
Pop: 5,789
$41,542
18102
2.7 mi
Pop: 51,315
$40,681
Walk: 16.0
18049
3.3 mi
Pop: 18,693
$93,924
Walk: 15.7
18104
4.9 mi
Pop: 47,999
$94,279
Walk: 13.8
18046
5.2 mi
Pop: 144
18034
5.2 mi
Pop: 9,501
$134,137
18106
5.3 mi
Pop: 6,437
$86,361
Walk: 10.4
18109
5.5 mi
Pop: 18,117
$55,437
Walk: 15.0
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