Solar Installers Market: ZIP 18901
Opportunity Score
78
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 18901 is an urban area with high foot traffic. with a population of 28,477 and household incomes well above the national median ($115,425). There are 10 solar installers operations in ZIP 18901.
Area Profile
28,477
Population
$115,425
Median Income
+55% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
15.2/20
Foot Traffic
Very Walkable
Median Age: 45.5 —
older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 40.9% —
strong appetite for artisan/specialty food.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 18901.
10
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
3.5 per 10K residents
6
Roofing Contractors
2.1 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 62.5% of the relevant market in ZIP 18901 (10 vs. 6 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$2,200
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,890
Median Gross Rent
$540 K
Median Home Value
28
Bank Branches
$4.2 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.
- The median income here is $115,425. That gives you pricing room most markets don't offer. Don't underprice.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Very Walkable
- Solar Installers
- 10
- Related Businesses
- 6
- Bank Branches
- 28
vs. National Average
Median Income
+55% vs. $74,580
Walkability
+4.7 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
18923
3.5 mi
Pop: 1,317
$76,469
Walk: 6.8
18976
3.9 mi
Pop: 21,942
$119,237
Walk: 9.8
18914
4.3 mi
Pop: 21,371
$148,286
Walk: 11.0
18902
5.0 mi
Pop: 22,648
$164,482
Walk: 6.1
18917
5.6 mi
Pop: 2,176
$75,000
Walk: 9.2
18929
5.9 mi
Pop: 9,736
$174,606
18912
6.1 mi
Pop: 250
$223,182
18925
6.2 mi
Pop: 6,650
$207,926
Walk: 9.6
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