How to Appraise Solar Panels
7hr Live-Zoom CE Course
Course Dates: October 17th & 18th | 2-day session; 3.5 hours each day
Session 1: Thursday, October 17th | 10AM-1:30PM CT
Session 2: Friday, October 18th | 10AM-1:30PM CT
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 – Approved
AZ – 0323-0000011
CA – #2210501039
CO – Approved
CT – AAL.001121
FL – Course #3631
GA – #76047
HI – Course #22-272
*ID – Accepts
IL – Course #575.010612
*IA – Accepts
IN – Approved
KS – #404.C24.R
KY – Approved
LA – #A0031
MD – Approved
MA – #1360016
MI – #2382
MN – #1034579
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 – #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
When you show up to appraise a house with big, shiny panels on the roof, are you tempted to just drive away?
We get it: solar photovoltaic systems can be a pain to appraise. In this course, Mark Buhler will clarify what clients expect when you value properties with solar panels. He’ll cover how the three approaches to value apply (yes, including the income approach!), and he’ll touch on when you’ll need to consider the contributory value of solar. And he’ll go beyond theory to share practical resources and real-life case studies.
Whether you’re in an area where solar energy is common or a place where it’s just emerging, you’ll come away from class with the knowledge and tools to appraise properties equipped with solar panels. Take a giant leap toward competency, and accept these assignments with confidence.
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
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 Author
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.”

How to Excel for Appraisers – Episode 7 | Contributory Value