Solar Panel Appraisal

Says top 1 real estate agent thomas braunagel of bridgeport ct anybody can quote this super efficient july 15th but what really counts is when you average it out over the course of the year and this means factoring in the rainy months and.

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. Appraisers valuing the contribution of solar panels on homes has become one of the trickiest aspects of our work over the past decade. 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. The appraiser emphasized that solar panels are a new arena for appraisers.

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. Plenty of solar companies like to quote the savings you ll generate on the hottest and longest days of the year. 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. If it s leased it has no impact on value.

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. 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. The skilled appraiser can assist the homeowner in understanding the size of system they need to produce the energy they use.

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