Solar Installers Market: ZIP 49009
Opportunity Score
68
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 49009 is an urban area. with a population of 47,606 and household incomes above the national median ($82,364). There are 11 solar installers operations in ZIP 49009.
Area Profile
47,606
Population
$82,364
Median Income
+10% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
Median Age: 37.1 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 32.5% —
balanced market for quality & value.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 49009.
11
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
2.3 per 10K residents
3
Roofing Contractors
0.6 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 78.6% of the relevant market in ZIP 49009 (11 vs. 3 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,260
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,089
Median Gross Rent
$330 K
Median Home Value
7
Bank Branches
$620 K deposits
Tips for Starting a Solar Business in Michigan
- 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
- Solar Installers
- 11
- Related Businesses
- 3
- Bank Branches
- 7
vs. National Average
Median Income
+10% vs. $74,580
Nearby Markets
49006
4.8 mi
Pop: 25,888
$45,617
Walk: 6.8
49008
6.5 mi
Pop: 16,488
$67,339
Walk: 7.6
49071
7.5 mi
Pop: 11,839
$105,779
49007
7.6 mi
Pop: 9,747
$39,309
Walk: 7.8
49024
8.7 mi
Pop: 30,937
$86,427
Walk: 7.8
49001
9.8 mi
Pop: 21,313
$52,327
49004
10.1 mi
Pop: 17,796
$72,434
Walk: 10.7
49074
11.0 mi
Pop: 212
$21,563
Walk: 6.9
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