Solar Installers Market: ZIP 49428
Opportunity Score
60
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 49428 is an urban area with low foot traffic. with a population of 28,090 and household incomes above the national median ($92,290). There are 10 solar installers operations in ZIP 49428.
Area Profile
28,090
Population
$92,290
Median Income
+24% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
6.7/20
Foot Traffic
Car-Dependent
Median Age: 37.2 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 25.3% —
balanced market for quality & value.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 49428.
10
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
3.6 per 10K residents
5
Roofing Contractors
1.8 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 66.7% of the relevant market in ZIP 49428 (10 vs. 5 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,380
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,373
Median Gross Rent
$280 K
Median Home Value
7
Bank Branches
$600 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
- Foot Traffic
- Car-Dependent
- Solar Installers
- 10
- Related Businesses
- 5
- Bank Branches
- 7
vs. National Average
Median Income
+24% vs. $74,580
Walkability
-3.8 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
49534
4.5 mi
Pop: 23,387
$78,846
Walk: 11.7
49426
5.3 mi
Pop: 39,986
$106,981
Walk: 5.9
49418
5.5 mi
Pop: 30,907
$83,485
Walk: 13.2
49435
7.2 mi
Pop: 3,881
$97,500
49430
7.7 mi
Pop: 48
49519
8.2 mi
Pop: 28,308
$75,373
Walk: 11.3
49401
9.3 mi
Pop: 28,941
$73,020
Walk: 5.1
49504
9.6 mi
Pop: 40,402
$68,326
Walk: 14.2
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