Solar Installers Market: ZIP 94509
Opportunity Score
65
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 94509 is an urban area with low foot traffic. with a population of 71,013 and household incomes above the national median ($81,512). There are 15 solar installers operations in ZIP 94509.
Area Profile
71,013
Population
$81,512
Median Income
+9% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
8.5/20
Foot Traffic
Car-Dependent
Median Age: 37.6 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 12.7% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 94509.
15
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
2.1 per 10K residents
15
Roofing Contractors
2.1 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 50.0% of the relevant market in ZIP 94509 (15 vs. 15 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$2,340
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,052
Median Gross Rent
$570 K
Median Home Value
6
Bank Branches
$1.1 M deposits
Tips for Starting a Solar Business in California
- 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
- 15
- Related Businesses
- 15
- Bank Branches
- 6
vs. National Average
Median Income
+9% vs. $74,580
Walkability
-2.0 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
94531
3.4 mi
Pop: 44,746
$123,428
Walk: 8.4
94565
8.1 mi
Pop: 99,933
$95,035
Walk: 8.9
94561
8.4 mi
Pop: 45,386
$130,859
Walk: 8.1
94517
8.9 mi
Pop: 12,164
$164,860
94512
9.6 mi
Pop: 134
94513
9.8 mi
Pop: 68,160
$139,736
Walk: 9.2
94521
11.2 mi
Pop: 41,118
$127,312
Walk: 12.9
94548
11.2 mi
Pop: 637
$183,100
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