Solar Installers Market: ZIP 28166
Opportunity Score
55
/ 100
Fair
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 28166 is an urban area with low foot traffic. with a population of 11,009 and household incomes above the national median ($85,107). There are 8 solar installers operations in ZIP 28166.
Area Profile
11,009
Population
$85,107
Median Income
+14% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
5.8/20
Foot Traffic
Very Car-Dependent
Median Age: 39.4 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 17.5% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 28166.
8
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
7.3 per 10K residents
4
Roofing Contractors
3.6 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 66.7% of the relevant market in ZIP 28166 (8 vs. 4 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,600
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,280
Median Gross Rent
$300 K
Median Home Value
1
Bank Branches
$76 K 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.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Very Car-Dependent
- Solar Installers
- 8
- Related Businesses
- 4
- Bank Branches
- 1
vs. National Average
Median Income
+14% vs. $74,580
Walkability
-4.7 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
28677
5.8 mi
Pop: 37,628
$59,081
Walk: 6.0
28117
7.3 mi
Pop: 48,170
$109,310
Walk: 7.8
28682
9.1 mi
Pop: 1,429
$96,949
Walk: 4.0
28115
9.5 mi
Pop: 42,862
$86,724
Walk: 6.0
28673
9.9 mi
Pop: 6,339
$99,036
Walk: 5.5
28125
11.8 mi
Pop: 2,769
$83,894
27013
12.6 mi
Pop: 6,975
$67,443
28609
13.1 mi
Pop: 6,617
$81,756
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