What are the best areas for solar in North Carolina?

The top-rated areas for solar in North Carolina are ZIP 27518 (score: 100/100), ZIP 27523 (score: 100/100), ZIP 27310 (score: 100/100). Rankings are based on walkability, median household income, population density, and existing competition.

What makes a good location for solar?

A strong location for solar combines high walkability (foot traffic), solid median income (spending power), sufficient population density, and manageable competition. Our opportunity score weighs all four factors on a 0–100 scale.

How does North Carolina compare to other states for solar?

North Carolina averages 95/100 across 20 scored ZIP codes — rated a excellent market. Scores factor in walkability, income, population, and competition.

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Best Cities for Solar Panel Costs in North Carolina

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Top 20 ZIP codes ranked by opportunity score. Score combines walkability (foot traffic), population density, median income, and solar installers competition.

The top markets here average $129,588 in household income, with 21.8 existing solar installers per ZIP. ZIP 27518 leads at 100, $121,242 median income, zero existing solar installers.

80–100 Excellent 60–79 Good 40–59 Fair <40 Challenging

Sort by:

#	ZIP Code	Score	Walkability	Median Income	Solar Installers
#1	ZIP 27518 Pop. 19 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$121,242	0
#2	ZIP 27523 Pop. 18 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$122,401	0
#3	ZIP 27310 Pop. 8.6 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$149,743	0
#4	ZIP 27571 Pop. 8.9 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$129,340	0
#5	ZIP 27608 Pop. 13 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$155,433	0
#6	ZIP 27562 Pop. 5 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$168,804	0
#7	ZIP 28207 Pop. 9.7 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	$212,348	0
#8	ZIP 28310 Pop. 10 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	—	0
#9	ZIP 28223 Pop. 4.2 Thousand	100 Excellent	—	—	0
#10	ZIP 27587 Pop. 82 Thousand	97 Excellent	—	$125,607	23
#11	ZIP 27502 Pop. 47 Thousand	95 Excellent	—	$137,088	21
#12	ZIP 28117 Pop. 48 Thousand	95 Excellent	—	$109,310	27
#13	ZIP 28173 Pop. 64 Thousand	93 Excellent	—	$146,196	20
#14	ZIP 27929 Pop. 3.3 Thousand	92 Excellent	—	$122,558	0
#15	ZIP 28078 Pop. 70 Thousand	91 Excellent	—	$120,503	18
#16	ZIP 28202 Pop. 17 Thousand	90 Excellent	—	$101,711	0
#17	ZIP 27235 Pop. 5 Thousand	90 Excellent	—	$101,440	0
#18	ZIP 28542 Pop. 3.6 Thousand	90 Excellent	—	$112,981	0
#19	ZIP 27976 Pop. 4.2 Thousand	88 Excellent	—	$96,835	0
#20	ZIP 28673 Pop. 6.3 Thousand	88 Excellent	—	$99,036	0

Data updated March 2026. Sources: Census Bureau ACS 2023, USDA National Walkability Index 2021, County Business Patterns 2022.

What the Data Shows

Opportunity is spread across North Carolina, not locked in one metro. The top ZIPs average $129,588 in household income. The common thread: solar demand that outpaces supply. These markets have room.

How to Use This Table

Click any ZIP for a full breakdown: demographics, nearby competition, and walkability score. The opportunity score weights income, foot traffic, and competition equally. If your concept skews upscale, sort by Income. If lunch crowds matter more, sort by Walkability.

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