How to Appraise Solar Panels

7hr Live-Zoom CE Course

Course Dates: August 21st & 22nd, 2024 | 2-day session; 3.5 hours each day

Session 1: Wednesday, August 21st | 10AM-1:30PM CT

Session 2: Thursday, August 22nd | 10AM-1:30PM CT

7 HOURS

$155.95

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 – 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

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, Mark Buhler will clarify the GSE requirements and what clients expect when you value properties with these systems. He’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 he’ll go beyond theory to share practical resources, real-life case studies, and evolving valuation trends.

You’ll come away with the knowledge, 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).

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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