Solar Installers Market: ZIP 61701
Opportunity Score
61
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 61701 is an urban area with moderate foot traffic. with a population of 35,577 and household incomes near the national median ($55,882). There are 10 solar installers operations in ZIP 61701.
Area Profile
35,577
Population
$55,882
Median Income
-25% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
14.9/20
Foot Traffic
Very Car-Dependent
Median Age: 35.8 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 24.2% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 61701.
10
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
2.8 per 10K residents
3
Roofing Contractors
0.8 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 76.9% of the relevant market in ZIP 61701 (10 vs. 3 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,030
2BR Fair Market Rent
$873
Median Gross Rent
$140 K
Median Home Value
9
Bank Branches
$1.5 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
- 10
- Related Businesses
- 3
- Bank Branches
- 9
vs. National Average
Median Income
-25% vs. $74,580
Walkability
+4.4 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
61704
3.6 mi
Pop: 36,938
$93,107
Walk: 13.4
61761
4.8 mi
Pop: 53,404
$66,642
Walk: 11.2
61705
6.4 mi
Pop: 12,973
$120,470
Walk: 8.2
61772
7.9 mi
Pop: 221
$128,750
Walk: 6.0
61748
10.1 mi
Pop: 2,612
$125,690
61776
10.8 mi
Pop: 1,208
$111,354
Walk: 5.2
61745
10.9 mi
Pop: 4,506
$102,696
61736
11.7 mi
Pop: 2,658
$107,127
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