Solar Installers Market: ZIP 35173
Opportunity Score
65
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 35173 is an urban area with low foot traffic. with a population of 32,125 and household incomes well above the national median ($113,028). There are 9 solar installers operations in ZIP 35173.
Area Profile
32,125
Population
$113,028
Median Income
+52% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
6.7/20
Foot Traffic
Car-Dependent
Median Age: 40.0 —
older demographic, may prefer sit-down options.
College-Educated: 29.1% —
balanced market for quality & value.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 35173.
9
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
2.8 per 10K residents
3
Roofing Contractors
0.9 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 75.0% of the relevant market in ZIP 35173 (9 vs. 3 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,530
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,303
Median Gross Rent
$330 K
Median Home Value
8
Bank Branches
$740 K deposits
Tips for Starting a Solar Business in Alabama
- 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 $113,028. That gives you pricing room most markets don't offer. Don't underprice.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Car-Dependent
- Solar Installers
- 9
- Related Businesses
- 3
- Bank Branches
- 8
vs. National Average
Median Income
+52% vs. $74,580
Walkability
-3.8 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
35004
6.0 mi
Pop: 11,558
$85,344
35235
6.3 mi
Pop: 19,600
$57,244
Walk: 9.2
35112
6.7 mi
Pop: 71
35126
8.2 mi
Pop: 22,354
$81,690
Walk: 5.2
35215
9.7 mi
Pop: 46,372
$51,854
Walk: 8.5
35094
9.8 mi
Pop: 15,333
$74,340
Walk: 7.0
35120
9.8 mi
Pop: 17,735
$80,279
35210
10.7 mi
Pop: 13,878
$72,632
Walk: 9.6
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