Solar Panel 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.

Solar panel appraisal.

Engaging a skilled appraiser that understands solar photovoltaics and how to value them is a smart move before the purchase. Find everything you need to know about solar panels and solar installation costs. Appraisers valuing the contribution of solar panels on homes has become one of the trickiest aspects of our work over the past decade. The appraiser emphasized that solar panels are a new arena for appraisers.

The issue simply hasn t been around long enough for there to be a consensus on how to value the addition of the panels. Lenders are responsible for ensuring the appraiser has accurate information about the ownership structure of the solar panels and that the appraisal appropriately addresses any impact to the property s value. 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. If you are appraising a property with solar panels the first thing you ll need to figure out is whether the solar array is owned or leased.

Whether the solar panels are leased and owned also may affect the appraisal. 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. 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. 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.

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. If insufficient documentation is available and the ownership status of the panels is unclear no value for the panels may be attributed to the property value on the appraisal unless the lender obtains a ucc personal property search that confirms the solar panels are not claimed. Plenty of solar companies like to quote the savings you ll generate on the hottest and longest days of the year. Solar pv systems provide financial benefits and are financially feasible in some areas.

If it s leased it has no impact on value.