How to Appraise Solar Panels
7hr Live-Zoom CE Course
Wednesday & Thursday, May 21st & 22nd, 2025
2-day session; 3.5 hours each day
Session 1: Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 | 10AM-1:30PM CT
Session 2: Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 | 10AM-1:30PM CT
$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 – 0323-0000011
CA – #2210501039
CO – Approved
CT – AAL.001121
FL – Course #3631
GA – #76047
HI – Course #23-452
*ID – Accepts
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 – 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, 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).
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.”
