Solar Installers Market: ZIP 36870
Opportunity Score
52
/ 100
Fair
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 36870 is an urban area with low foot traffic. with a population of 19,672 and household incomes near the national median ($69,652). There are 4 solar installers operations in ZIP 36870.
Area Profile
19,672
Population
$69,652
Median Income
-7% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
9.5/20
Foot Traffic
Very Car-Dependent
Median Age: 37.4 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 15.5% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 36870.
4
Solar Installers
Low competition — room to establish
2.0 per 10K residents
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,160
2BR Fair Market Rent
$972
Median Gross Rent
$180 K
Median Home Value
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.
Quick Facts
- Area Type
- Urban
- Foot Traffic
- Very Car-Dependent
- Solar Installers
- 4
vs. National Average
Median Income
-7% vs. $74,580
Walkability
-1.0 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
36869
5.8 mi
Pop: 20,987
$50,341
Walk: 8.1
36877
6.4 mi
Pop: 12,878
$68,555
Walk: 5.4
36867
6.7 mi
Pop: 22,441
$46,847
Walk: 9.1
36874
7.8 mi
Pop: 10,329
$63,211
Walk: 4.8
31904
9.1 mi
Pop: 34,906
$65,625
Walk: 9.1
31901
9.7 mi
Pop: 6,139
$47,316
Walk: 10.5
36875
11.8 mi
Pop: 3,909
$55,393
Walk: 3.6
31906
11.8 mi
Pop: 20,312
$41,913
Walk: 8.3
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