Solar Installers Market: ZIP 28409
Opportunity Score
73
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 28409 is an urban area with low foot traffic. with a population of 35,013 and household incomes well above the national median ($108,241). There are 18 solar installers operations in ZIP 28409.
Area Profile
35,013
Population
$108,241
Median Income
+45% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
6.7/20
Foot Traffic
Car-Dependent
Median Age: 42.9 —
older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 36.3% —
balanced market for quality & value.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 28409.
18
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
5.1 per 10K residents
5
Roofing Contractors
1.4 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 78.3% of the relevant market in ZIP 28409 (18 vs. 5 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,840
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,445
Median Gross Rent
$380 K
Median Home Value
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 $108,241. That gives you pricing room most markets don't offer. Don't underprice.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Car-Dependent
- Solar Installers
- 18
- Related Businesses
- 5
vs. National Average
Median Income
+45% vs. $74,580
Walkability
-3.8 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
28412
4.3 mi
Pop: 42,452
$67,396
Walk: 11.0
28403
5.1 mi
Pop: 40,292
$50,988
Walk: 11.7
28480
6.1 mi
Pop: 2,727
$165,682
Walk: 7.4
28405
7.9 mi
Pop: 35,159
$67,809
Walk: 13.6
28428
8.3 mi
Pop: 7,034
$87,670
Walk: 10.6
28479
11.3 mi
Pop: 6,971
$77,708
Walk: 4.6
28411
11.4 mi
Pop: 37,303
$94,200
Walk: 8.5
28401
12.4 mi
Pop: 21,820
$52,159
Walk: 15.6
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