The USSV Differential

US Solar Value has an extensive knowledge base and is continuously in touch with renewable energy industry contacts and resources.  Further, our appraisals conform to complex and changing tax codes and case law with knowledge obtained while working closely with clients, advisors, and attorneys.  Thus, US Solar Value is well-positioned to understand their clients' appraisal needs and specific requirements.

It's this experience that allows US Solar Value to thoughtfully consider complex appraisal issues and deliver sound, well-reasoned conclusions and reports.  With an appraisal being at the very heart of a transaction, the conclusion of Fair Market Value establishes the purchase price, and an effective appraisal has never been more crucial to a project’s success and closing.

Addressing Appraisal Challenges

Reconciling Cost, Income & Market  Approaches

Alignment of Investor & Sponsor Interests

Compliance with IRS Guidelines

Reliable, Prudent & Defensible Analysis

SoundConclusions

ShortTurn-Around

FREE RESOURCE

10 Key Factors to Successful
Appraisal Assignments

US Solar Value Clients

Financial Institutions.

Project Sponsors, Utilities & Government

What Makes USSV Appraisals so Effective?

Collective experience in appraisal and real estate has given US Solar Value appraisers the ability to thoughtfully consider complex appraisal issues and deliver sound, well-reasoned conclusions.

With an appraisal being at the very heart of a transaction, particularly in partneship flips and inverted leases, in which the appraisal of Fair Market Value establishes the very purchase price of millions of dollars, effective appraisals have never been more crucial to a project’s success and to everyone’s interest in getting to the closing table.

Appraisal Process

1
Get data room access
2
Review sponsor data and projections
3
Review project costs
4
Research market trends
5
Establish report conclusions
6
Submit a report

What our clients say…

“Deep knowledge of solar, coupled with an understanding of tax financing translates to incredibly effective results.Responsiveness and ability to work on tight deadlines is always appreciated throughout the closing process.”

JACK FUNK

“Impressive knowledge and expertise. Reports were easy to follow and understand.Their independent look reassures us that we’ve been on the right track.”

XIALOEI HUA

How to Get Your Appraisal Started

01
Information

Send Project Location(s) & Size(s)

02
Scope of Work

Discuss Intended Use & User

03
Fees & Timing

Review Proposal & Closing Schedules

04
Letter of
Engagement

Outline Client Expectations & Appraiser Responsibilities

Appraisals across all US States
and Territories

CONTACT:
Bruce Wiley

(781) 431-8612

(or send us an email at wiley@ussolarvalue.com)

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Meet our team
of creative experts.

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Photo

BRUCE F. WILEY. MAI

o-Founder of US Solar Value and CEO of Akerson & Wiley
Photo

THEDDI CHAPPELL

Co-Founder of US Solar Value and CEO of Sustainable Values
Photo

JAMES FINLAY

Managing Partner of Soundview Risk Advisors in Venice

How to Get Your Appraisal Started

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1- Information

Send Project Locations & Sizest

2- Scope of Work

Discuss Intended Use & User

3- Fees & Timing

LDiscuss Intended Use & User

4- Letter of
Engagement

Discuss Intended Use & User

Caption here

EAST COAST – Bruce Wiley

EAST COAST – Bruce Wiley(781) 431-8612

CENTRAL – Theddi Chappell(435) 901-1394

WEST COAST – James Finlay(310) 821-8111

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Your team

BRUCE F. WILEY. MAI

US Solar Value and Akerson & Wiley, Inc., Boston, MA (1992 – Present).Co-founded and operates real estate valuation and counseling practice specializing in solar and renewable energy installations and green/sustainable property appraisals.  Client base includes banks, insurance companies, federal, state, local governments, non-profits, attorneys and many others. Qualified as expert witness in federal and district courts and prepares appraisals for use with IRS matters.Valuation of Renewable Resources and Sustainable Buildings Appraisals of over 250 solar and wind farms and rooftop solar panels. Appraisals of Energy Conservation Measures for C-PACE financing and ad valorem taxation. Appraisal Institute Professional Development Registry – Valuation of Sustainable Buildings: Commercial. Appraisal Institute development team for Case Studies in Appraising Green Commercial Buildings and Residential and Commercial Valuation of Solar. Speaker at seminars for bankers, appraisers, assessors and others on the appraisal of solar installations and sustainable real estate.    
Notable assignments have also included the appraisal of major commercial properties and subsequent testimony in federal courts; consulting with the US Department of Labor on ERISA compliance; the appraisal of portfolios with as many as 300 properties; the appraisal of military bases and facilities in Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut and Florida; and the appraisal of landmark properties in Boston such as Rowes Wharf, the Federal Custom House and Exchange Place.
In addition to co-founding and operating US Solar Value and Akerson & Wiley, served as regional managing director for national appraisal companies Grubb & Ellis Landauer Valuation Services and an appraisal affiliate of GMAC Commercial Mortgage. Bank of New England, Senior Vice President and Chief Appraiser. Boston, MA (1990-1991).Formed new appraisal department for the workout function for a real estate portfolio in excess of $8 billion with 8,500 properties. Managed a total staff of 75 with 43 review appraisers and seven offices. Budget responsibility of $15 million. Ernst & Young, Senior Manager. Dallas, Texas (1989-1990).Managed Southwest regional real estate valuation practice. Reviewed book values and transactions for auditors. Performed appraisal management services, portfolio valuations, due diligence and counseling on investment real estate. Appraisal, Consulting Background, Denver, Colorado and Peoria, Illinois (1970-1989).Positions in real estate sales, banking and fee appraisal including Chase and Company, London-based Gooch & Wagstaff, BA Mortgage Company, Bowes and Company, Midland Savings, all in Denver, and Commercial National Realty in Peoria, Illinois. PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND EDUCATIONMember (MAI), Appraisal Institute. Life Member.
Appraisal Institute National Faculty Member for Green, Sustainable and Solar series of courses, seminars.
U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) – National and MA Chapter (Education Committee).
Northeast Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA).
American Solar Energy Society (ASES).
National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF), 1992-1999, 2010-2011 Valuation Committee.
Vice Chair, Appraiser Qualification Board of The Appraisal Foundation, Washington, DC.
Certified General Real Estate Appraiser – MA 1213 (other state permits as needed). Licensed Real Estate Broker.
Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois, Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy.

THEDDI CHAPPELL

Theddi Wright Chappell, CRE, MAI, FRICS, AAPI, LEED AP is a Co-Founder of US Solar Values and CEO of her own woman-owned business, Sustainable Values, Inc., Park City, UT. She has extensive experience in the valuation of commercial properties, with a specialization in analyzing both the costs and benefits of high performing, energy efficient properties.Ms. Chappell is a national and international speaker and educator on the implications of green strategies on asset value. She co-authored the first seminar on valuing green commercial buildings for the Appraisal Institute and subsequently developed their two-day commercial course entitled, Case Studies in Valuing Green Commercial Buildings, which she teaches throughout the US. She also teaches the Appraisal Institute’s course on Residential and Commercial Valuation of Solar.Her publication, High Performance Green Building – What’s It Worth? was created for, and widely disseminated by, the Cascadia Chapter of the US Green Building Council and the International Living Future Institute.She has developed and participated in numerous classes, presentations, webinars and training programs for a variety of clients including ULI, DOE, USGBC (Greenbuild), EPA, NAR, Connecticut Green Bank, the Real Estate Roundtable, NYU Shack Institute of Real Estate, Bank of America and others.She recently premiered a new course she developed for the Department of Energy entitled Energy Matters!During her valuation and consulting career, Ms. Chappell has worked with clients throughout the US and Canada, in Europe and Australasia. She is a Founding Member of the team developing the Economics of Change, a multi-year international project which incorporates economic, environmental and social considerations into investment, valuation and underwriting criteria. Ms. Chappell was an organizer of and presenter at the international Vancouver Valuation Summits I, II and III in Vancouver, BC.Ms. Chappell is Chair of the Invitation Advisory Committee for the Counselors of Real Estate, the pre-eminent, invitation-only consulting organization in the US; has served on ULI’s Responsible Property Investing Council; is on the Advisory Board of the Utah Chapter of USGBC; and active in Utah’s Purpose Investment Network, and CEO Space.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCEManaging Partner, SoundView Risk Advisors Venice, CA (July 2014 – Present).Full-time in commercial real estate since 1986, including brokerage, development, appraisal & appraisal review. Expertise in valuation of solar PV/distributed energy resources [DER] and high performance “green” property.July 2014 to Present: Managing Partner, SoundView Risk Advisors, Venice, CACommercial property appraisal review and management per the property value impact of solar PV/distributed energy resources. Produces a self-contained “solar appraisal” or DER value report  Market value for financing underwriting; federally regulated transactions, PACE,
 Collaborator with appraisers to complete the Solar/DER value report
 Investment value analysis for property owners considering solar/DER
 Green and conventional building appraisal reviews
1999 to June 2014 : Appraisal Reviewer –Wells Fargo Bank, Real Estate Technical Services(RETECHS), Los Angeles Vice President, Senior Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Manager High-performance “green” real estate – Property valuation expert with the internal Environmental Affairs Group (2006-14). Principal appraisal manager and reviewer for collateral designed to meet LEED, Energy Star and/or with solar/DER [Distributed Energy Resources].
Small balance commercial, related mortgage technology – Specialist on small commercial property appraisal/evaluation report management and reviews, streamlined, lower cost workflow design
Loan pool and asset portfolio due diligence team – Due diligence risk analysis, valuation and related document reviews and appraisal review screens for portfolio sampling.
Advisor positions National Institute of Building Sciences, Council on Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
Clean Energy Finance Forum, Yale Center for Business and the Environment
Appraisal Foundation – High-performance building valuation, Subject Matter Expert
ThirdAct, San Francisco – fintech start-up small commercial property performance retrofits
CA Sustainability Alliance – Steering Committee Member, Green Building Valuations
Microgrid Institute – Finance and valuation analysis
Education, Certifications1968–72 : Bachelor of Arts, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Concentrations in mechanical engineering, economics, creative arts Professional Designations General Certified Appraisal License; CA: AG 021895, WA: 1102359
MRICS designation, Member Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
CA Real Estate Sales License 0092-7330

JAMES F. FINLAY

Managing Partner, SoundView Risk Advisors Venice, CA (July 2014 – Present).Full-time in commercial real estate since 1986, including brokerage, development, appraisal & appraisal review. Expertise in valuation of solar PV/distributed energy resources [DER] and high performance “green” property.July 2014 to Present: Managing Partner, SoundView Risk Advisors, Venice, CACommercial property appraisal review and management per the property value impact of solar PV/distributed energy resources. Produces a self-contained “solar appraisal” or DER value report  Market value for financing underwriting; federally regulated transactions, PACE,
 Collaborator with appraisers to complete the Solar/DER value report
 Investment value analysis for property owners considering solar/DER
 Green and conventional building appraisal reviews
1999 to June 2014 : Appraisal Reviewer –Wells Fargo Bank, Real Estate Technical Services(RETECHS), Los Angeles Vice President, Senior Commercial Real Estate Appraisal Manager High-performance “green” real estate – Property valuation expert with the internal Environmental Affairs Group (2006-14). Principal appraisal manager and reviewer for collateral designed to meet LEED, Energy Star and/or with solar/DER [Distributed Energy Resources].
Small balance commercial, related mortgage technology – Specialist on small commercial property appraisal/evaluation report management and reviews, streamlined, lower cost workflow design
Loan pool and asset portfolio due diligence team – Due diligence risk analysis, valuation and related document reviews and appraisal review screens for portfolio sampling.
Advisor positions National Institute of Building Sciences, Council on Finance, Insurance & Real Estate
Clean Energy Finance Forum, Yale Center for Business and the Environment
Appraisal Foundation – High-performance building valuation, Subject Matter Expert
ThirdAct, San Francisco – fintech start-up small commercial property performance retrofits
CA Sustainability Alliance – Steering Committee Member, Green Building Valuations
Microgrid Institute – Finance and valuation analysis
Education, Certifications1968–72 : Bachelor of Arts, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY Concentrations in mechanical engineering, economics, creative arts Professional Designations General Certified Appraisal License; CA: AG 021895, WA: 1102359
MRICS designation, Member Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
CA Real Estate Sales License 0092-7330

flowUI WEBFLOW SYSTEM

How to Get Your Appraisal Started

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aliquam pellentesque arcu sed felis.

1- Information

Send Project Locations & Sizest

2- Scope of Work

Discuss Intended Use & User

3- Fees & Timing

LDiscuss Intended Use & User

4- Letter of
Engagement

Discuss Intended Use & User

Caption here

EAST COAST – Bruce Wiley

EAST COAST – Bruce Wiley(781) 431-8612

CENTRAL – Theddi Chappell(435) 901-1394

WEST COAST – James Finlay(310) 821-8111

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Facts from experience

Methodology

Cash Flow Models

Financial models are used to calculate projections of revenue and expense for annual net cash flows. The analysis period is commonly 40 years but can vary with the terms of ground leases or PPAs. Both revenue and expenses are subject to growth rates based on the expectations of market participants.

Revenue & Expense

Electricity production is projected using software models such as PVSyst. In many cases, the production is certified by Independent Engineers.Power Purchase Agreement rates and tariff structures are used to forecast revenue from electricity sales, renewable energy certificates, capacity payments, demand reduction incentives, feed-in tariffs or other sources.The sale of electricity is usually through a PPA with an off-taker such as a nearby industrial plant, a municipality, a school or a housing authority. The rate per kilowatt hour may be fixed by contract or may be based on the net metering credit rate and float with the tariffs of the local utility.Community Shared Solar is gaining traction as source of revenue with subscribers each taking a small share of the electricity with automatic debits and credits facilitating payments through sophisticated software programs.In some cases, electricity is sold to the utility company in that jurisdiction under contract or as a feed-in tariff.Post-PPA revenue is projected by industry standards such as private services or public sources such as the Energy Information Agency (EIA) of the U.S. government.Operating expenses are deducted such as ground lease payments, insurance, operations and maintenance, taxes or PILOTs and monitoring/management.

Discounted Cash Flow

The annual net cash flow is then discounted into net present value at an appropriate rate.The discount rates applied are based on factors such as investor and market expectations, weighted average cost of capital and the creditworthiness of the offtaker; in short, factors that reflect investor risk.In addition to the value from the production of electricity, solar installations can carry significant value from Investment Tax Credits, tax savings from accelerated or bonus depreciation, grants, rebates or other incentives.

Sample DCF

How to Get Your Appraisal Started

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1- Information

Send Project Locations & Sizest

2- Scope of Work

Discuss Intended Use & User

3- Fees & Timing

LDiscuss Intended Use & User

4- Letter of
Engagement

Discuss Intended Use & User

EAST COAST – Bruce Wiley

EAST COAST – Bruce Wiley(781) 431-8612

CENTRAL – Theddi Chappell(435) 901-1394

WEST COAST – James Finlay(310) 821-8111

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For investor confidence

Solar developments often use a bank for back-leveraged construction and permanent financing with the completed project sold to a tax equity investor who takes advantage of the extensive tax benefits for renewables including Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and MACRS accelerated depreciation. First year bonus depreciation of up to 100% can sometimes be elected. In many cases, there is a buy-back provision after the tax benefits have been used and US Solar Value can estimate the residual value in, say, five years.Appraisals for tax equity investors need to address key issues to be acceptable for submission to IRS. US Solar Value appraisals address IRS Tax Code issues such as:Definition of Fair Market Value (FMV) set forth in IRS Revenue Ruling 59-60.Statement and rationale on Limited Use Property per IRS bulletin 2001-19.Statement of no restrictions on disclosure per Internal Revenue Code sections6011, 6111 and 6112 and related sections; compliance with disclosure under theReportable Transaction Rules and RegulationsAnalysis and conclusions of Economic Useful Life (EUL).Perhaps most crucially of all, the IRS Code specifies that the purchase price, based on FMV, can be used to calculate the eligible basis for the ITC calculation in an inverted lease transaction. This makes the appraisal the key element in the transaction.

Alta Wind Case

Alta Wind Energy Center applied for $703 million in Section 1603 Recovery Act grants for its wind farms. A Claims Court decision in 2016 was favorable to the taxpayer but the Appellate Court subsequently ruled favorably for the government in July 2018. While the case involved a windfarm, it is also applicable to other types of energy property.The Appellate Decision was clear on some matters but left open-ended questions as remanded to a Claims Court. This very recent decision has left advisors and appraisers in a position of re examining their methodology for estimating and allocating values for Investment Tax Credits.The salient conclusion of Alta was that the Residual Method of Allocation should be used to allocate the purchase price for purposes of determining ITC eligibility between asset classes such as tangible and intangible assets, goodwill and going concern value.US Solar Value has carefully considered IRS Codes 338, 197 and others to thoughtfully allocate purchase price components as required by the Residual Method of Allocation. The USSV analysis does not conclude significantly different amounts of eligible/ineligible costs than as previously estimated but does follow the Court’s guidance in application of the Residual Method of Allocation.US Solar Value’s methodology has been approved for IRS submission by tax attorneys for parties of interest in the transaction.

How to Get Your Appraisal Started

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1- Information

Send Project Locations & Sizest

2- Scope of Work

Discuss Intended Use & User

3- Fees & Timing

LDiscuss Intended Use & User

4- Letter of
Engagement

Discuss Intended Use & User

Caption here

EAST COAST – Bruce Wiley

EAST COAST – Bruce Wiley(781) 431-8612

CENTRAL – Theddi Chappell(435) 901-1394

WEST COAST – James Finlay(310) 821-8111

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Solar + Storage

Solar + Storage is certainly the next frontier in renewable energy. Falling prices and increasing efficiencies make battery and other storage installations viable components of solar development.Some of the most recent appraisal assignments of US Solar Value include a Battery Energy Storage System. Incentives provided in some jurisdictions, such as Massachusetts, provide positive cash flow and substantial value added over cost for BESSs.In Massachusetts, the BESS is in front of the meter such that the solar installation gets paid the same whether the electricity generated goes into the grid or is diverted to the BESS. Further, the Massachusetts SMART program provides a Storage Adder for revenue of some 4.5¢ per kWh on all electricity generated, not just on electricity designated for use in conjunction with the BESS.Regulations specify the amount, frequency, duration and times of day/seasons for discharge of the battery’s electricity. A BESS also offers revenue potential for ancillary services such as frequency regulation and capacity payments.In a typical BESS that we see, a third party vendor partners with a solar project sponsor.

flowUI WEBFLOW SYSTEM

How to Get Your Appraisal Started

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Aliquam pellentesque arcu sed felis.

1- Information

Send Project Locations & Sizest

2- Scope of Work

Discuss Intended Use & User

3- Fees & Timing

LDiscuss Intended Use & User

4- Letter of
Engagement

Discuss Intended Use & User

Caption here

EAST COAST – Bruce Wiley

EAST COAST – Bruce Wiley(781) 431-8612

CENTRAL – Theddi Chappell(435) 901-1394

WEST COAST – James Finlay(310) 821-8111

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