How to Appraise Solar Panels

7hr Live-Zoom CE Course

March 21st & 22nd | 2-day session; 3.5 hours each day

Session 1: Tuesday, March 21st | 10AM-1:30PM CT
Session 2: Wednesday, March 22nd | 10AM-1:30PM CT

**Registration closes at 8:30AM CT on 3/21/2023**

7 HOURS

$155.95

COURSE APPROVAL INFORMATION

Approved or *Accepted for 7 hours of CE in the following states:

AL – #C02814
AR – Approved
CO – Approved
CA – #2210501039
FL – Course #3631
GA – #76047
*ID – Accepts
IL – Course #575.010612
*IA – Accepts
IN – Approved
KS – #404.C23.N
KY – Approved
LA – #A0031
MD – Approved
MA – #1360016
MI – #2382
MN – #1034579
MS – #50458
MO – Approved
*MT – Accepts
NC – #4527
*NE – Accepts
NH – Approved
NJ – 2023 – 200
NV – #CE.0009629-A
NM – #4190
NY – #A5573-07
*ND – Accepts
OH – #Q04301102A 23
OK – Course #713
OR – #APEL-C-1122-0045
PA – APPROVED
SC – #CE2065
TN – Course #2639
TX – #44925
UT – #AC221212
VA – Approved
WA – #A22037010
WV – Approved
*WI – Accepts

*Asterisk States* will Accept CE which is approved in the state where it is being taught.

PENDING STATES:

AZ, HI, NE

Course Description

Solar photovoltaic systems can be a valuation headache for appraisers and their clients. This course will help ease the pain—by equipping you with the knowledge, techniques, and tools to value solar panels. You’ll learn what’s expected of appraisers when appraising a property with a solar photovoltaic system, and we’ll talk about some out-of-the-box strategies to solve this valuation issue.

Course Goal

The problem to solve: how, when, and why to value solar

After completing this course, students will understand GSE requirements and expectations for properties with solar. We’ll cover the circumstances under which the contributory value of solar is to be considered; methods of valuation via the three approaches to value; and resources, case studies and trends. Appraisers will come away with the knowledge they need to competently appraise properties with solar photovoltaic systems.

Course Policies

Refund/Cancellation/Transfer Policy:

  • Refund requests must be made at least 24 hours prior to the start of class. Cancellation must be in writing. No refunds will be given within 24 hours of class start.
  • If you register within 24 hours of Class Start, you will only be eligible for a transfer. This transfer credit expires 30 days after the original class date. After this 30 day period, we are unable to issue a transfer, and you will forfeit the class cost.

CE Requirements/Attendance Policy:

  • The class is offered via Zoom Meeting.
  • Computer audio/video, reliable internet connection, and 100% attendance are required for CE credit.
  • We must be able to see and hear your camera, and driving or riding in a car is not allowed during class. These are state requirements for CE.

Software/System Requirements:

Class is offered via Zoom Meeting.

Reminders:

  • KNOW YOUR TIME ZONE: We’re on CENTRAL TIME, and class starts at 10AM CT sharp!
    • If you are on Pacific Time, Class is from 8am-11:30am PT (doors open at 7am).
    • If you are on Mountain Time, Class is from 9am-12:30pm MT (doors open at 8am).
    • If you are on Central Time, Class is from 10am-1:30pm CT (doors open at 9am).
    • If you are on Eastern Time, Class is from 11am-2:30pm ET (doors open at 10am).

Course Outline/Objectives

The learning objectives of this course are to provide real estate appraisers with the ability to do the following:

MODULE 1:  Solar Basics

1.    Understand and identify the key components of a Solar PhotovoltaicArray

2.    Explain how a Solar PV system works

3.    Learn what Net Metering is and how it applies

MODULE 2:  On Site Observation ofa Property

4.    Know the questions to ask before scheduling an appraisal assignment

5.    Understand what to document and photograph during on-site observation

6.    How to implement and utilize the data from the on-site visit in an appraisal report

MODULE 3:  When to Consider the contributory Value of Solar

7.    Learn the difference between owned solar, leased solar & power purchase agreements

8.    How loans and liens affect the obligation to consider contributory value of solar

9.    Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA and FHA guidance on solar

MODULE 4:  Demonstrating MarketAcceptance

10. How to determine market acceptance for solar PV

11. GSE guidance on demonstrating market acceptance

12.  Extracting market acceptance from MLS data source

MODULE 5:  Three Approaches to value

13. Determine the contributory value of solar using the Market Approach

14. Determine the contributory value of using the Cost Approach

15. Determine the contributory value of solar using the Market Approach

MODULE 6: Case Studies on the Valuation of Solar

16. Case Study utilizing the Cost Approach

17. Case Study utilizing the Income Approach-Discounted Cash Flow

18. Case Study utilizing the Income Approach-Gross Rent Multiplier

MODULE 7: Trends and Policy, Solar Data Resources

19.  Federal, State and local policies

20.  Online resources for SolarCost Data and Installation Statistics

21.  Published Studies of valuation of Solar PV

Course Author

Mark Buhler

Mark Buhler is a Certified Residential Real Estate Appraiser in California with more than 25 years of appraisal experience. Combining years of practical field experience with his knowledge of changes in the real estate industry, Mark is an engaging and entertaining speaker who is always willing to share his knowledge. Mark has found a niche in the valuation of resource-efficient, “green” homes, which are becoming more common. Mark has recently presented on the valuation of solar and green property at Appraisal Institute conferences and state coalition meetings. He is currently presenting the “Accredited Green Appraiser Training” continuing education course for Build It Green in California, and a new course, “Valuation Resources for Solar Photovoltaic Systems.” Mark enjoys teaching real estate professionals about appraisal matters and how they can impact your business.

Subscribe to
Appraiser eLearning!

Sign up to get free webinars, podcasts, blogs, discounts and more.

*We value your privacy. We never send you any spam or pass your information to 3rd parties.