Solar Panel Appraisal

Attached is a very well written 45 page report that will help all appraisers better understand this issue and perhaps lead you in the right direction when you encounter homes with solar panels.

Solar panel appraisal.

For an overview of solar panels methods of valuation and challenges of appraising properties with solar check out our recorded webinar appraising solar panels. A primer presented by instructor mark buhler. The skilled appraiser can assist the homeowner in understanding the size of system they need to produce the energy they use. Solar panels are one of those tricky things we all like to believe increase the value of a home.

The issue simply hasn t been around long enough for there to be a consensus on how to value the addition of the panels. A typical residential installation consists of a 5kw array which could increase a home s value by 30 000. The appraiser emphasized that solar panels are a new arena for appraisers. Buhler has over 25 years of appraisal experience and specializes in the valuation of energy efficient homes which are increasingly becoming more common in the marketplace.

After all they save homeowners a ton of money right. Solar panels increase home values a study from lawrence berkeley national laboratory found that each kilowatt of solar capacity could add about 6 000 in value to a home at least in california fast company reported jan. On average solar panels raise a home s value by 4 1 across the u s according to a new zillow analysis of homes across the country that s a boost of 9 274 on a 226 300 home according to the study. Engaging a skilled appraiser that understands solar photovoltaics and how to value them is a smart move before the purchase.

Says real estate agent aaron zapata of inman according to fha and fannie mae whether solar panels add value or are viewed as a liability is still unclear. Whether the solar panels are leased and owned also may affect the appraisal. One way to show value for solar panels is to write them as a line item in the sales comparison grid within the appraisal report if the following two criteria are met. Appraisers valuing the contribution of solar panels on homes has become one of the trickiest aspects of our work over the past decade.

If the solar panel system is owned and at least one comparable sale used in the appraisal report also has and owned solar panel system then the solar panels can be adjusted within the sales comparison grid showing value. Solar pv systems provide financial benefits and are financially feasible in some areas. Many appraisers are taking the position that there is no added value and perhaps some diminished value with leased solar panels because the buyer must assume the lease.