Solar Installers Market: ZIP 97478
Opportunity Score
62
/ 100
Good
Based on walkability, population density, income levels, and local business competition.
Market Summary
ZIP 97478 is an urban area with moderate foot traffic. with a population of 39,267 and household incomes above the national median ($79,051). There are 10 solar installers operations in ZIP 97478.
Area Profile
39,267
Population
$79,051
Median Income
+6% vs. national
Urban
Area Type
10.6/20
Foot Traffic
Walkable
Median Age: 39.1 —
mixed-age market, broad menu appeal.
College-Educated: 15.1% —
value-focused market, keep prices competitive.
Competition
Solar Installers and related businesses in ZIP 97478.
10
Solar Installers
Moderate — proven market
2.5 per 10K residents
3
Roofing Contractors
0.8 per 10K residents
What this means:
Solar Installers are 76.9% of the relevant market in ZIP 97478 (10 vs. 3 related businesses).
Well-established market — differentiation is non-negotiable.
Operating Costs
Local cost levels affect space, labor, and operating expenses.
$1,530
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,314
Median Gross Rent
$360 K
Median Home Value
2
Bank Branches
$120 K deposits
Tips for Starting a Solar Business in Oregon
- 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
- 10
- Related Businesses
- 3
- Bank Branches
- 2
vs. National Average
Median Income
+6% vs. $74,580
Walkability
+0.1 pts vs. national avg
Nearby Markets
97454
9.0 mi
Pop: 1,284
$96,488
97455
9.9 mi
Pop: 2,326
$113,608
Walk: 5.3
97477
11.9 mi
Pop: 37,837
$63,574
Walk: 13.6
97438
14.9 mi
Pop: 1,218
$100,000
97403
15.0 mi
Pop: 14,508
$47,103
Walk: 12.7
97431
15.2 mi
Pop: 2,115
$53,155
97408
15.4 mi
Pop: 15,297
$102,063
Walk: 10.7
97452
16.1 mi
Pop: 1,640
$92,344
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