In short
The sale price of a PV system is based on the discounted revenue until decommissioning. Buyers deduct a discount for every open question: missing yield data, unclear roof rights, old inverters. An independent valuation report answers these questions in advance.
How do buyers calculate?
Professional buyers calculate the income value with a discount rate that reflects their risk. The less reliable the data, the higher the rate and the lower the price. For a commercial system with five remaining tariff years, one percentage point accounts for about 3 % of the value, a yield assumed 10 % too low for around 15 %. You can see this in the sensitivity analysis.
Documents that support the price
- Feed-in statements or meter readings for the last three to five years
- Commissioning report and proof of the tariff rate
- Data sheets and serial numbers of modules and inverters
- Maintenance and inspection reports, most recent inverter replacement
- Roof use or lease agreement with term, for commercial systems secured in the land register
- Insurance policy and claims history
- Direct marketing and metering contracts
If an item is missing, the buyer applies a discount or asks for a warranty. Both cost you money.
Residential system in a house sale
With single-family homes the PV system usually passes with the house. Estate agents rarely price it in properly. In our worked example, a 10 kWp system from 2012 with 30 % self-consumption is worth around €18,000, a tangible item in the purchase price. Without self-consumption by the buyer it would be €10,100.
Commercial systems and portfolios
For commercial and ground-mounted systems, buyers carry out a technical due diligence and a contract review. Commissioning an independent report in advance lets you set the frame of the discussion and prevents the buyer's due diligence from being the only figure on the table.
Independence
We value, we do not buy. Our reports are used by buyers, sellers, banks and courts alike. That only works because we have no stake in the price.
Frequently asked questions
How much is my PV system worth when I sell it?
As much as a buyer expects in discounted revenue until decommissioning, minus investments, removal and risk discounts. Our calculator gives you a first order of magnitude.
Is a valuation report worth it before a sale?
For commercial systems almost always, because even small discounts exceed the fee. For residential systems when the system value matters in the house price or the parties disagree.
Who pays for the report?
The parties decide. Often the seller commissions the report and makes it available to all prospective buyers.