Solar Installers Market: ZIP 28078
Opportunity Score
81
/ 100
Excellent
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 28078 is an urban area with moderate foot traffic. with a population of 69,907 and household incomes well above the national median ($120,503). There are 18 solar installers operations in ZIP 28078.
Area Profile
69,907
Population
$120,503
Median Income
+62% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
10.5/20
Foot Traffic
Walkable
Median Age: 39.6 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 38.3% —
balanced market for quality & value.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 28078.
18
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
2.6 per 10K residents
3
Roofing Contractors
0.4 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 85.7% of the relevant market in ZIP 28078 (18 vs. 3 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$2,250
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,722
Median Gross Rent
$440 K
Median Home Value
14
Bank Branches
$1.8 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 $120,503. That gives you pricing room most markets don't offer. Don't underprice.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Walkable
- Solar Installers
- 18
- Related Businesses
- 3
- Bank Branches
- 14
vs. National Average
Median Income
+62% vs. $74,580
Walkability
-0.1 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
28031
5.2 mi
Pop: 31,021
$115,746
Walk: 15.0
28269
6.4 mi
Pop: 80,396
$81,063
Walk: 8.7
28216
6.7 mi
Pop: 54,052
$64,977
Walk: 10.8
28036
7.3 mi
Pop: 21,824
$144,920
Walk: 12.7
28262
10.4 mi
Pop: 45,884
$66,757
Walk: 9.1
28206
10.8 mi
Pop: 14,726
$51,456
Walk: 13.5
28223
11.4 mi
Pop: 4,248
28214
11.5 mi
Pop: 42,197
$83,618
Walk: 10.4
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