Solar Installers Market: ZIP 60018
Opportunity Score
71
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 60018 is an urban area with moderate foot traffic. with a population of 29,302 and household incomes above the national median ($85,415). There are 13 solar installers operations in ZIP 60018.
Area Profile
29,302
Population
$85,415
Median Income
+15% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
14.2/20
Foot Traffic
Very Car-Dependent
Median Age: 41.4 —
older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 18.1% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 60018.
13
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
4.4 per 10K residents
3
Roofing Contractors
1.0 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 81.3% of the relevant market in ZIP 60018 (13 vs. 3 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,470
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,174
Median Gross Rent
$300 K
Median Home Value
8
Bank Branches
$4.6 M deposits
Tips for Starting a Solar Business in Illinois
- 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
- 13
- Related Businesses
- 3
- Bank Branches
- 8
vs. National Average
Median Income
+15% vs. $74,580
Walkability
+3.7 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
60176
2.2 mi
Pop: 11,454
$67,473
60131
2.9 mi
Pop: 18,059
$76,404
Walk: 14.4
60106
3.6 mi
Pop: 19,908
$78,027
Walk: 9.7
60068
4.2 mi
Pop: 39,227
$138,201
Walk: 14.1
60164
4.3 mi
Pop: 21,248
$76,483
Walk: 13.5
60656
4.7 mi
Pop: 28,726
$88,000
Walk: 14.5
60016
5.1 mi
Pop: 60,520
$84,044
Walk: 13.5
60165
5.3 mi
Pop: 4,504
$75,165
Walk: 14.2
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