How to Appraise Solar Panels

7hr Live-Zoom CE Course

Tues. & Wed., October 7th & 8th, 2025

2-day session; 3.5 hours each day

Session 1: Tuesday, October 7th, 2025 | 10AM-1:30PM CT

Session 2: Wednesday, October 8th, 2025 | 10AM-1:30PM CT

Register for October 7th & 8th

7 HOURS

$169.95

CURRENT COURSE APPROVAL INFO

APPROVED STATES:

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

*States with an asterisk will “Accept CE” that is approved by another state jurisdiction.

AL – #C02814
AR – AE022
AZ – 252
CA – #2210501039
CO – Approved
CT – AAL.001121
FL – Course #3631
GA – #76047
HI – Course #23-452
IL – Course #575.010612
*IA – Accepts
IN – Approved
KS – #404.C24.R
KY – Approved
LA – #A0031
ME – Course #120C005
MD – Approved
MA – #1360016
MI – #2382
MN – #1038048
MS – #50458
MO – Approved
*MT – Accepts
NC – #4527
NE – #2233418.33
NH – Approved
NJ – 2023 – 200
NV – #CE.0009629-A
NM – #4190
NY – #A5573-07
*ND – Accepts
OH – #Q04500102A 23
OK – Course #713
OR – #APEL-C-1122-0045
PA – APPROVED
RI – Course #REA.0002244-CE
SC – #CE2065
TN – Course #2639
TX – #44925
UT – #AC241210
VA – Approved
WA – #A22037010
WV – Approved
WI – Course #20-1267260

Course Description

When you show up to appraise a house with big, shiny panels on the roof, do you sometimes want to just drive away?

We get it: solar photovoltaic systems are a thorny valuation issue for appraisers. In this course, we’ll clarify the GSE requirements and what clients expect when you value properties with these systems. We’ll cover methods of valuation (via the three approaches to value) and touch on circumstances in which you’ll want to consider the contributory value of solar. And we’ll go beyond theory to share practical resources, real-life case studies, and evolving valuation trends.

You’ll come away with the tools and techniques you need to appraise properties equipped with solar photovoltaic systems.

Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to inform real estate appraisers about:

MODULE 1:  Solar Basics

1.    The key components of a Solar Photovoltaic Array

2.    How a solar PV system works

3.    What net metering is and how it applies

MODULE 2:  On Site Observation of a Property

4.    Questions to ask before scheduling an appraisal assignment

5.    What to document and photograph during on-site observation

6.    How to use the data from the on-site visit in an appraisal report

MODULE 3:  When to Consider the Contributory Value of Solar

7.    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 Market Acceptance

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 using the cost approach

17. Case Study using the income approach-discounted cash flow

18. Case Study using the income approach-gross rent multiplier

MODULE 7: Trends and Policy, Solar Data Resources

19.  Federal, state and local policies

20.  Online resources for solar cost data and installation statistics

21.  Published studies of valuation of solar PV

System Requirements:

  • This class is offered via Zoom meeting. Computer audio, video and a reliable internet connection are required.
  • If you’re new to zoom, we recommend testing your computer video and audio prior to class day by opening a practice meeting on https://zoom.us/test.

CE/Attendance Requirements:

  • Computer audio/video, reliable internet, and 100% attendance are required for CE credit.
  • ABSOLUTELY NO DRIVING (OR RIDING) IS ALLOWED.
  • You must be attentive, stationary (no walking or being a distraction) and visible on camera.
  • If you become a distraction, we will remove you from class.

Refund/Cancellation Policy:

  • Cancellations require written advance notice. Refunds will only be given if request is made 24 hours prior to the start of class.

*KNOW YOUR TIME ZONE: We’re on CENTRAL TIME, and class starts at 10AM CT sharp each day!

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).

Everything you need to know about our live virtual class offerings via Zoom

  • Add any live-zoom course(s) to your cart and proceed to checkout.
  • IMPORTANT: Be sure to provide the correct state and license number information during checkout, as this will be automatically pulled into our system for your completion certificate and reporting to your state.
  • Once purchased, you’ll be automatically registered for the Zoom class meeting and you will receive a receipt via email.
  • You will receive a confirmation email with your JOIN MEETING link (save this! This is the link you will click to join the zoom class meeting on Class Day.)
  • If this is your first purchase with us, you will also receive an email with your Student Login Credentials, which give you access to your Student Account; Your student account is where you will access any online courses or completion certificates. 
  • If your Zoom Class comes with Course materials, they will be made available in your student account and also emailed to you in reminder emails (see “What to expect on class day.” below)
  • If you don’t see your confirmation email (and you’ve checked your spam folder), just email us (we make typos too, and we’re happy to help).
  • We highly recommend you download zoom for an even better in-class experience.
  • You’ll receive reminder emails the day before and the morning of class. (NOTE: If you register within 24 hours of class start time, you might not receive reminder emails.)
  • Be sure to click the Zoom meeting link and join the meeting 30 minutes before class start time, so we can get you checked in.
  • Check your time zone! All classes are listed in CENTRAL TIME, so adjust your calendar accordingly. Our reminder emails the day before and the morning of class will list the correct times for all time zones, for reference.
  • Download any course materials. You can find all appropriate documents for your course under “My Courses” in your student account.
  • If you are taking a USPAP update course, have the current USPAP publication on hand.
  • It is required that you keep your camera on for the duration of the class. Be sure to have a device with a working webcam, audio, and microphone, as well as good internet access.

Use the Zoom meeting link to join the class 30 minutes before class start time, so we can get you checked in.

  • You should have received a confirmation email immediately after purchase, as well as reminder emails the day before and the morning of class. Your Zoom link to join class can be found in any of those emails.
  • Be sure to check your spam folder if it is not in your inbox.
  • Remember to use the Zoom meeting link to join class at least 30 minutes before the official start time, so we can get you checked in.
  • Zoom Confirmation Emails (how you join the class): We will resend everyone’s Zoom confirmation emails 1 hour prior to class start
  •  Class Reminder emails with handouts (if any) and reminders: We send reminder emails on the day before and the day of class (unless class falls on a Monday or Friday; we don’t work weekends)
  • Reminder emails will include: Any class handouts (if applicable), important expectations and requirements; REMINDERS ABOUT KNOWING YOUR TIME ZONE (we’re on Central Time); and student support / instructor contact information.
  • Remember: you must be present with your camera on 100% of the class time. (This is a state requirement, not ours. We cannot make exceptions.)
  • Refunds require a 24-hour written notice.
  • BUT if you miss class and forget to notify us, no worries! Just reach out to our team, and we’re happy to transfer you to a later class.
  • We can only provide one transfer, so if you miss the second class, you will not have the option for a transfer and will forfeit the purchase cost. 
  • You must be present with your camera on for the duration of class. (This is a state requirement, not ours. We cannot make exceptions.)
  • You must be visible and prepared to answer instructor questions (please do not drive, work on other tasks, walk your dog, or anything else that might be distracting to the class).
  • If you have an emergency or are otherwise prevented from being present and visible on camera, please contact one of the class moderators. 
  • Chat Feature
  • Raise Hand Feature (alt + Y is the keyboard shortcut, or click the Reactions button)
  • Mute/Unmute & Stop Video (you should only turn cameras off when on breaks)
  • In addition to the live instructor, we’ll have a team member available to help everything run smoothly during class.
  • Ben Maxwell, our Education Director, will email a Course Evaluation link to all students immediately after class.
  • Once you complete the evaluation, you’ll receive an emailed certificate from our LMS. Please keep in mind that failure to complete this survey will delay your certificate (it is REQUIRED).
  • If you have any issues with the automated certificate, just reply to Ben’s Course Evaluation email and request a PDF copy.
  • If you’re in a state that requires the provider to report on your behalf, we will report your CE after class. Please give us 24 hours to do so. (States in which we report on your behalf include: FL, GA, IL, NC, NV, OH, SC, TX, and UT.)
  • If you have any questions, the instructor and class moderator will stick around for a few minutes after class ends.

Course Author

Mark Buhler

Mark Buhler is a Certified Residential real estate appraiser in California with over 25 years of  practical field experience and a broad understanding of how the industry has evolved. Mark found a niche in appraising resource-efficient, “green” homes, which are  becoming more common in the market. An engaging speaker, Mark enjoys teaching real estate professionals about appraisal matters and business strategies. He has presented on how to value solar and green property at Appraisal Institute conferences and state coalition meetings, and he now teaches the “Accredited Green Appraiser Training” CE course for Build It Green in California and a new course, “Valuation Resources for Solar Photovoltaic Systems.”

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