Solar Installers Market: ZIP 28031
Opportunity Score
81
/ 100
Excellent
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 28031 is an urban area with high foot traffic. with a population of 31,021 and household incomes well above the national median ($115,746). There are 13 solar installers operations in ZIP 28031.
Area Profile
31,021
Population
$115,746
Median Income
+55% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
15.0/20
Foot Traffic
Very Walkable
Median Age: 45.4 —
older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 43.3% —
strong appetite for artisan/specialty food.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 28031.
13
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
4.2 per 10K residents
4
Roofing Contractors
1.3 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 76.5% of the relevant market in ZIP 28031 (13 vs. 4 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$2,030
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,587
Median Gross Rent
$500 K
Median Home Value
15
Bank Branches
$1.3 M deposits
Tips for Starting a Solar Business in North Carolina
- 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 $115,746. That gives you pricing room most markets don't offer. Don't underprice.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Very Walkable
- Solar Installers
- 13
- Related Businesses
- 4
- Bank Branches
- 15
vs. National Average
Median Income
+55% vs. $74,580
Walkability
+4.5 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
28078
5.2 mi
Pop: 69,907
$120,503
Walk: 10.5
28036
6.9 mi
Pop: 21,824
$144,920
Walk: 12.7
28117
6.9 mi
Pop: 48,170
$109,310
Walk: 7.8
28037
8.7 mi
Pop: 27,128
$109,779
Walk: 5.6
28682
9.2 mi
Pop: 1,429
$96,949
Walk: 4.0
28115
10.7 mi
Pop: 42,862
$86,724
Walk: 6.0
28269
11.4 mi
Pop: 80,396
$81,063
Walk: 8.7
28216
11.4 mi
Pop: 54,052
$64,977
Walk: 10.8
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