At a Glance
PV-BESS-Assessor prepares independent valuation reports for photovoltaic systems and battery storage (BESS). Our fair market value determinations consider over 20 valuation-relevant factors — from system quality and remaining useful life to feed-in tariff and market price development. Court-admissible, available Europe-wide.
What is my photovoltaic system worth?
Valuing a photovoltaic system regularly presents challenges for owners, buyers, and investors. Unlike real estate or vehicles, there are no standardized price tables or established second-hand markets for solar systems. The market value of a PV system consists of technical, economic, and regulatory components that only an experienced expert assessor can correctly weight.
We prepare valuation reports that reflect both the actual substance value of the hardware and the yield value from the remaining feed-in tariff. We consider the actual condition of every component — modules, inverters, mounting structure, cabling — and combine this inventory with a well-founded yield forecast.
Why does the substance value differ from the yield value?
Two different valuation approaches come together in the value determination. The substance value describes the current replacement cost of installed components minus aging and wear. The yield value, on the other hand, is based on expected future revenue from feed-in tariffs, self-consumption, and direct marketing. Depending on the commissioning date and feed-in tariff level, the yield value of a functioning existing system can significantly exceed the substance value. This phenomenon explains why older systems with high tariffs can cost more second-hand than comparable new installations.
What factors are included in a valuation report?
Our valuation reports consider over 20 individual valuation-relevant factors that we weight individually for each system. The most important include the quality and condition of the system hardware including modules, inverters, mounting structure, and cabling. The return calculation is based on the remaining term of the feed-in tariff and expected revenues. Additionally, we examine actual system performance based on historical yield data and compare it with simulation values.
Further factors include the condition of the roof surface and any limitations on remaining useful life, existing warranty claims against manufacturers and installers, maintenance status and documented service measures, any defects and their remediation costs, and the tax situation of the owner. For large-scale and ground-mounted systems, site factors such as grid connection capacity, lease agreements, and permitting status are also considered.
When is a valuation report for PV systems needed?
An independent valuation report is required or recommended in numerous situations. When buying or selling an existing system, it creates transparency for both parties and avoids inflated or undervalued pricing. Banks and investors require valuation reports as a basis for financing decisions and the collateralization of system portfolios.
In insurance cases — such as after storm, hail, or fire damage — the valuation report serves as the basis for claims settlement. In inheritance, divorce, or corporate dissolution cases, a reliable fair market value determination is indispensable. For tax valuation purposes, such as withdrawal from business assets or transfers between companies, an expert assessment report is also required.
How do we value battery storage systems (BESS)?
Valuing battery storage systems poses particular requirements, as the degradation of cell chemistry represents the central valuation-relevant variable. We determine the actual state of health (SOH) through capacity measurements and BMS evaluations. Additionally, we analyze the cycle history, thermal stress, and remaining calendar life.
For grid-connected utility-scale storage, revenue opportunities from ancillary services markets (FCR, aFRR, mFRR) and arbitrage trading also factor into the yield value calculation. The valuation follows applicable standards IEC 62619 and IEC 63056, taking into account VDE-AR-N 4110/4120 for grid connection.
What distinguishes rooftop systems from investment assets?
When preparing valuation reports, we fundamentally distinguish between self-consumption systems on residential and commercial rooftops and return-oriented ground-mounted or large-scale rooftop systems. For self-consumption systems, the substance value carries greater weight, as the economic significance for the operator primarily lies in supply security and electricity cost savings. Return-oriented systems, however, are primarily valued using the discounted cash flow method, where the remaining tariff term, operating costs, and risk profile are the decisive variables.
How do we ensure the quality of our valuation reports?
As TUV-certified expert assessors, we have extensive experience in assessing photovoltaic systems of all sizes. Every valuation report is based on a personal on-site inspection with measurement verification. We employ drone thermography, electroluminescence, and IV curve measurement to objectively document the actual system condition. Our valuation methodology combines industry-specific expertise with proven business methods of asset valuation.
Every calculation is individually prepared for the respective system. We deliberately reject standardized valuation templates or flat-rate depreciation tables, as no two systems are identical. The thoroughness of our reports has proven itself in numerous court proceedings and transactions.
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