Solar Installers Market: ZIP 78617
Opportunity Score
56
/ 100
Fair
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 78617 is an urban area with moderate foot traffic. with a population of 28,932 and household incomes above the national median ($78,019). There are 4 solar installers operations in ZIP 78617.
Area Profile
28,932
Population
$78,019
Median Income
+5% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
10.8/20
Foot Traffic
Walkable
Median Age: 36.4 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 11.1% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 78617.
4
Solar Installers
Low competition — room to establish
1.4 per 10K residents
3
Roofing Contractors
1.0 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 57.1% of the relevant market in ZIP 78617 (4 vs. 3 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,810
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,449
Median Gross Rent
$250 K
Median Home Value
Tips for Starting a Solar Business in Texas
- 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
- Walkable
- Solar Installers
- 4
- Related Businesses
- 3
vs. National Average
Median Income
+5% vs. $74,580
Walkability
+0.3 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
78719
4.8 mi
Pop: 1,556
$54,545
Walk: 6.7
78725
5.7 mi
Pop: 10,810
$102,819
Walk: 14.3
78742
7.6 mi
Pop: 638
$74,453
Walk: 8.4
78612
8.4 mi
Pop: 19,830
$90,925
78744
8.6 mi
Pop: 51,069
$78,474
Walk: 11.4
78741
9.5 mi
Pop: 45,274
$66,434
Walk: 12.2
78747
9.6 mi
Pop: 21,757
$86,456
Walk: 4.4
78724
10.0 mi
Pop: 29,326
$76,906
Walk: 8.4
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