Photovoltaic Final Review
According to the IEC, in Europe the maximum DC voltage a residential PV system can be configured to is: A.)50V B.)600 V C.)1,000 V D.)1,500 V
1,500 V
Six solar panels are connected in series. Each panel has a Vmp rating of 18 Vdc and an Imp rating of 8.33 amps. The output VOLTAGE of this string will be: A.)108 Vdc B.)108 Vac C.)18 Vdc D.)8.33 amps
108 Vdc
It has been determined that a home requires a 6.5 kW array. The homeowner has purchased 26 Solar World 250 W panels from her brother-in- law. At her location, the temperature extremes are -37°C (coldest) and 43°C (hottest). Her string inverter has an operating input range of 100 - 550 Vdc. The solar panels have the following characteristics: Voc = 37.8 VTemp. Coeff (Voc) = -.30%/°C Vmp = 31.1 VTemp. Coeff (Pmax) = -.45%/°C What is the maximum number of panels in each string? A.)8 B.)10 C.)12 D.)14
12
An array facing solar west will likely produce about _____ energy than would be produced by the same array in the same location facing solar south. A.)20% less B.)40% less C.)10% more D.)12.53 % less
20% less
60 watt-hours is equal to: A.)6 kilowatts consumed over a 10-hour period of time B.)240 watts consumed for 15 minutes C.)60 watts consumed at a constant rate for a 24-hour period D.)120 watts consumed for 2 hours
240 watts consumed for 15 minutes
Oscar is conducting a load analysis on a barn. There are three critical loads that must be serviced by the PV system. A water heater uses 1,700 Wh/day and runs for four hours each day. A milking machine uses 900 Wh/day and runs for three hours. A grain mixer uses 1,200 W when operating, but only operates for two hours, twice a week. Assume the rate of energy used by all the machines is constant when running (no surges or cycles). Part 1) What is the daily load demand if these three critical loads are the only loads in the barn? A.)3,286 Wh B.)2,600 Wh C.)3,800 Wh D.)543 Wh
3,286 Wh
By code, what is the maximum amount of power that can be generated by an inverter which is load-side connected to a 100 amp rated service panel box connected to 100 amp service from the utility? A.)2.4 kW B.)3.84 kW C.)4.8 kW D.)The panel has already reached its rated capacity, so no PV array can be connected.
3.84 kW
f wire with an ampacity rating of 70A is placed in a conduit with 14 other similar conductors, it would now have an ampacity rating of: A.)35 A B.)70 A C.)85 A D.)95 A
35A
A cabin sits on a mountaintop in North Carolina. The location has a latitude of 35°N and 4.8 hours of insolation. The daily load requirement is 3 kWh. The designer has installed a 48 Vdc stand-alone system that has been derated at 75%. The inverter is 95% efficient. The temperature extremes at this location are -37°C (coldest) and 43°C (hottest). The battery bank provides two days of autonomy and uses 6-volt, 250 Ah batteries to a 60% depth of discharge. How many batteries did the designer anticipate would be required? A.)1 B.)3 C.)8 D.)24
8
What is the voltage drop of a 400 foot cable run, using #10 AWG stranded copper wire on a circuit designed to carry 8.3 amps and 48 volts of electricity? Resistance Table: A.)10.29 V B.)8.23 V C.)4.216 V D.)1.24 V
8.23 V
Six solar panels are connected in series. Each panel has a Vmp rating of 18 Vdc and an Imp rating of 8.33 amps. The output CURRENT of this string will be: A.)108 Vdc B.)108 Vac C.)18 Vdc D.)8.33 amps
8.33 amps
The average U.S. home (in 2010) consumed 960 kWh of electricity per month. Assuming 4.2 hours of insolation at the site and a .90 derate factor for the system, what size array will be required to provide all the power necessary for this home over the course of a year? A.)8.33 kW B.)6.74 kW C.)7.49 kW D.)253.97 W
8.33 kW
Solar panels are manufactured in accordance with: A.)ANSI/UL 1703 B.)STC C.)PTC D.)NEC
ANSI/UL 1703
_____________ provide a baseline performance record of how the system was functioning on the day it began operations. A.)Operation and maintenance documents B.)The plan view C.)The electrical permit D.)Commissioning forms
Commissioning forms
To power a 24 Vdc water pump with a 12 Vdc battery, you would need to add a(n) __________________? A.)DC Voltage Converter B.)Charge controller C.)Inverter D.)Can't be done
DC Voltage Converter
Which ladder is rated to carry 250 pounds? A.)Light Duty, Type III, Red B.)Medium Duty, Type II, Green C.)Heavy Duty, Type I, Blue D.)Extra Heavy Duty, Type IA, Orange
Heavy Duty, Type I, Blue
The document that provides health and safety information about products, substances or chemicals that are classified as hazardous substances or dangerous goods is referred to as the : A.)Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) B.)Authority having Jurisdiction (AHJ). C.)Product Safety Instructions (PSI). D.)OSHA 10 Guidelines.
Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS)
_________ are made by slicing a single silicon crystal into wafers. They are generally more expensive, but are also more efficient in converting the energy of the sun into electricity. A.)Monocrystalline cells B.)Multi-Junction photovoltaic cells C.)Polycrystalline cells D.)Thin-Film
Monocrystalline cells
A cabinet rated for outdoor wet conditions would be: A.)NEMA Type 1 B.)NEMA Type 2 C.)NEMA Type 3 D.)NEMA Type 5
NEMA Type 3
The NEC document is also referred to as: A.)industry best practices B.)the law of the land C.)Ugly's Reference Guide D.)NFPA 70
NFPA 70
Which of the following is NOT a common listing or service mark found on products that indicates they comply with the appropriate industry standard? A.)OSHA B.)ETL C.)CSA D.)UL
OSHA
Which of the following equipment will likely NOT comply with the 2014 NEC requirement for "rapid shutdown"? A.)power optimizer B.)micro inverter C.)UL 1741 listed string inverter D.)remote disconnect combiner box
UL 1741 listed string inverter
Which of the following is the smallest, most basic component? A.)a solar photovoltaic array B.)a solar photovoltaic module C.)a solar photovoltaic cell D.)a solar photovoltaic panel
a solar photovoltaic cell
Which of the following will likely NOT be required by the local building department prior to the installation of a PV system? A.)an electrical permit B.)a mechanical permit C.)an interconnect agreement D.)a license or certification
an interconnect agreement
In order to avoid a significant loss of power due to shading, panel manufacturers will often place _________ in the panel wiring system. A.)bypass diodes B.)blocking diodes C.)rectifying diodes D.)amplifying diodes
bypass diodes
A ________________ is necessary for electrons to flow from the negatively charged portion of the solar panel to the positively charged portion of the panel. A.)permit B.)circuit C.)diode D.)charge controller
circuit
Holes dug for footings for a ground-mounted racking system must: A.)extend below the frost line. B.)extend at least 20 inches below undisturbed soil. C.)extend a minimum of 5 inches beyond the circumference of the support pole. D.)All of the above
extend below the frost line.
Most PV arrays utilize a _________ cooling system: A.)sun tracking B.)solar thermal C.)passive air D.)hydraulic assisted
passive air
Fluctuations in the DC waveform caused by connecting the DC system to an AC system are referred to as: A.)clipping B.)resistance C.)ripple D.)voltage drop
ripple
Inverters that comply with Rule 21 and are listed as UL1741-SA compliant are often referred to as: A.)smart inverters B.)bimodal inverters C.)rapid shutdown inverters D.)AC coupled inverters
smart inverters
Which type of mounting system will increase the amount of time the panel directly faces the sun? A.)rooftop B.)ground C.)pole mounted D.)sun-tracking
sun-tracking
When sizing a STAND ALONE inverter, the size of the inverter is directly related to: A.)the daily load demand B.)the maximum power draw C.)the size of the battery bank D.)the size of the array
the maximum power draw
The batteries in a stand-alone system seem to fail prematurely. Which of the following is likely NOT a cause of such a situation? A.)excessive loads B.)poor temperature control C.)too many batteries in series D.)too many batteries in parallel
too many batteries in series
When placing a ladder against a building, the: A.)top of the ladder should extend at least three feet above the point where it comes in contact with the structure. B.)the base of the ladder should be offset from the point where it comes in contact with the building by four feet. C.)the ladder must incorporate fall protection if the operator is in danger of falling at least six feet from one level to another. D.)None of the above.
top of the ladder should extend at least three feet above the point where it comes in contact with the structure.
The total actual amount of solar energy collected as compared to the theoretical amount of solar energy available at any given site is known as that site's: A.)total solar resource fraction (TSRF) B.)total solar resource (TSR) C.)tilt and orientation factor (TOF) D.)shading factor (SF)
total solar resource fraction (TSRF)
If you have a wire length of 100′ in a 90 volt, 8.5 amp derated DC circuit, what is the SMALLEST wire size you would need to use to get less than a 2% voltage drop? A.)#6 AWG with a resistance of .510 B.)#8 AWG with a resistance of .809 C.)#10 AWG with a resistance of 1.29 D.)None of the above
#8 AWG with a resistance of .809
Which of the following represents the LARGEST diameter wire? A.)0 AWG B.)2 AWG C.)6 AWG D.)12 AWG
0 AWG
Which of the following wire can carry the greatest current? A.)0 AWG B.)2 AWG C.)6 AWG D.)12 AWG
0 AWG
According to the NEC, in the US the maximum DC voltage a roof mounted commercial or multi-family PV system can be configured to is: A.)50 V B.)600 V C.)1,000 V D.)1,500 V
1,000 V
A kilowatt is: A.)10 watts B.)100 watts C.)1,000 watts D.)10,000 watts
1,000 watts
Who is largely credited with first discovering the photovoltaic effect, which later led to the development of photovoltaic cells? A.)Albert Einstein B.)Alexander Graham Bell C.)Antoine-César Becquerel D.)Charles Fritts
Antoine-César Becquerel
In 1953, three scientists from _____________ determined that silicon performed well as a component within photovoltaic cells. A.)Germany B.)Bell Labs C.)NASA D.)California
Bell Labs
Electricity is generated when _________ move along conductive wires. A.)electrons B.)photons C.)neutrons D.)protons
Electrons
Today, most solar panels incorporate: A.)MC1 connectors B.)MC2 connectors C.)MC3 connectors D.)MC4 connectors
MC4 connectors
The voltage at which a grid tied inverter operates most efficiently is referred to as its: A.)total solar resource B.)MPPT voltage input range C.)PWM maximization point D.)maximum power point
MPPT voltage input range
One main difference between STC and PTC (PV USA Test Conditions) is that: A.)PTC is only used in the USA B.)PTC does not concern itself with atmospheric pressure C.)PTC addresses wind speed while STC does not D.)PTC measures in Imperial units (U.S. based) rather than metric
PTC addresses wind speed while STC does not
Which of the following is considered the maximum CURRENT a panel can produce under standard test conditions? A.)Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) B.)Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp) C.)Short Circuit Current (Isc) D.)Maximum Power Currents (Imp)
Short Circuit Current (Isc)
Which of the following steps in the commissioning process will identify that the charge controller is properly charging the battery bank? A.)Visual inspection of the system. B.)Verification of code compliance. C.)System functioning tests. D.)Verification of array power and energy production.
System functioning tests.
To determine the maximum panels allowable in a string of a grid-tied array, you must know all of the following EXCEPT: A.)The azimuth of the array. B.)The coldest temperature ever experienced on the site. C.)The voltage input specifications of the inverter. D.)The temperature coefficient of the panels.
The azimuth of the array.
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of micro inverters over string inverters? A.)No string calculations are required. B.)They are easily accessible for repairs. C.)They are more efficient than string inverters. D.)They reduce aging panel mismatch.
They are easily accessible for repairs.
If no bias is introduced into the altitude of a fixed solar panel, the angle will likely be based on: A.)solar south B.)the azimuth C.)longitude D.)latitude
latitude
The winter bias of an array is: A.)solar south less 15 degrees B.)the angle of declination on Dec 22nd C.)the assumption that arrays produce less energy in the winter D.)latitude plus 15 degrees
latitude plus 15 degrees
A graphic representation of the daily electrical demand curve that indicates adding more and more solar resources to the grid may result in an over supply of power during the afternoon, is often referred to as: A.)the duck curve B.)lichtquant C.)feed-in premium (FIP) D.)feed-in tariff (FIT)
the duck curve
The eight-foot long metal rod, commonly called the "ground rod" is more accurately referred to as: A.)the grounding electrode. B.)the system ground. C.)the equipment ground. D.)the grounding conductor.
the grounding electrode.
Which of the following is NOT an advantage of a system that includes micro inverters? A.)can use mismatched panels B.)the array can easily be expanded over time C.)the panels will not need to be replaced as often D.)the effect of shading is reduced
the panels will not need to be replaced as often
When a string of batteries are connected in series: A.)the voltage and amps remain the same B.)the voltage increases but the amps remain the same C.)the voltage remains the same, but the amps increase D.)both voltage and amps increase
the voltage increases but the amps remain the same
Each crystalline cell generates about ______ of electricity when exposed to full sunlight. A.)0.01 volts B.)0.55 volts C.)12 volts D.)24 volts
0.55 volts
Under Standard Test Conditions (STC) for solar panels, the amount of sunlight hitting the panel (known as irradiance) is assumed to be: A.)1,000 watts per square meter B.)364 watts per square foot C.)higher in cold weather than in warm weather D.)dependent upon the relative humidity
1,000 watts per square meter
Oscar is conducting a load analysis on a barn. There are three critical loads that must be serviced by the PV system. A water heater uses 1,700 Wh/day and runs for four hours each day. A milking machine uses 900 Wh/day and runs for three hours. A grain mixer uses 1,200 W when operating, but only operates for two hours, twice a week. Assume the rate of energy used by all the machines is constant when running (no surges or cycles). Part 3) Assuming only one of the machines can be operated at a time, what is the maximum power draw that must be accommodated? A.)3,800 W B.)1,925 W C.)1,200 W D.)1,025 W
1,200 W
In space (at the outside edge of the Earth's atmosphere), the energy of the sun (irradiance) will measure about: A.)1.5 atmospheres B.)1.0 atmospheres C.)0.0 atmospheres D.)1,300 watts/m2
1,300 watts/m2
Oscar is conducting a load analysis on a barn. There are three critical loads that must be serviced by the PV system. A water heater uses 1,700 Wh/day and runs for four hours each day. A milking machine uses 900 Wh/day and runs for three hours. A grain mixer uses 1,200 W when operating, but only operates for two hours, twice a week. Assume the rate of energy used by all the machines is constant when running (no surges or cycles). Part 2) Assuming all the machines can be operated at the same time, what is the maximum power draw that must be accommodated? A.)3,800 W B.)1,925 W C.)1,200 W D.)1,025 W
1,925 W
You have installed an array of 24 panels, each with an Imp of 8.35 amps, and it has been configured into 4 strings of 6 panels each. Assume the PV Source Circuit wiring has been placed in conduit that is exposed to sunlight and is mounted directly to the deck of the roof. These conduits run to a combiner box mounted on the north wall of the home, so that it is never exposed to sunlight. What is the minimum ampacity rating of each circuit breaker that is connected to each PV Source Circuit within the combiner box? A.)10 amps B.)15 amps C.)35 amps D.)60 amps
15 amps
What percentage of the power loss due to voltage drop from a 48V circuit with a voltage drop loss of 8.23 V? A.)21.44% B.)17.15% C.)8.78% D.)2.58%
17.15%
According to the NEC, when wire that is enclosed in PVC pipe is buried in a trench, it must be located a minimum of: A.)24 inches (610 mm) deep B.)18 inches (460 mm) deep C.)12 inches (305 mm) deep D.)6 inches (150 mm) deep
18 inches (460 mm) deep
A stand-alone PV system has the following characteristics: a 3 kW PV array, daily load demand of 10 kWh, a maximum power draw of 2 kW at any time, a 1400 Ah battery bank, a nominal battery bank voltage of 48 Vdc and 4 hours of peak sunlight. What is the minimum power rating required for this system's inverter? A.)2 kW B.)3 kW C.)10 kW D.)12 kW
2 kW
A 5 kW array has been installed on the site using 250 watt panels with the following specifications:Voc = 38.3 Vdc Vmp = 29.8 Vdc Isc = 8.9 A I mp = 8.4 ATemp Coefficient = 0.485 %/ ºC Series Fuse Rating = 15 A You have calculated the system derate factor at .87. On the day you are commissioning the array , the following measurements are taken:Cell Temp = 42 ºC Irradiance = 934 W/m2 Relative Humidity = 72% What should be the energy production reading noted on the inverter read? A.)186.63 W B.)292.12 W C.)3.73 kW D.)4.06 kW
3.73 kW
It has been determined that a home requires a 6.5 kW array. The homeowner has purchased 26 Solar World 250 W panels from her brother-in- law. At her location, the temperature extremes are -37°C (coldest) and 43°C (hottest). Her string inverter has an operating input range of 100 - 550 Vdc. The solar panels have the following characteristics: Voc = 37.8 VTemp. Coeff (Voc) = -.30%/°C Vmp = 31.1 VTemp. Coeff (Pmax) = -.45%/°C What is the minimum number of panels in each string if the array is ground mounted? A.)4 B.)5 C.)6 D.)7
4
Sally is conducting a load analysis for a small business , a bakery. Their dough mixer runs for 3 hours, two times a week. Each time it is operated, it consumes 1,400 Wh during that three-hour period. How much would you calculate is the mixer's contribution to the DAILY load requirements of the business? A.)2.8 kWh B.)467 Wh C.)400 Wh D.)1.4 kWh
400Wh
The MAXIMUM DC nominal voltage an accessible battery bank within a residential STAND-ALONE system in the U.S. can be configured to (by code) is: A.)12 volts B.)24 volts C.)50 volts D.)600 volts
50 volts
An array of 24 panels, each with an Isc of 8.35 amps, has been configured into 4 strings of 6 panels each. The wires from these strings are combined in a combiner box. What is the minimum ampacity rating required for the wire used in the PV Output Circuit? A.)13.05 amps B.)33.4 amps C.)41.75 amps D.)52.19 amps
52.19 amps
According to the NEC, in the US the maximum voltage the DC portion of a residential PV system can be configured to is: A.)50V B.)240 V C.)6oov D.)1,000 V
600 V
The MAXIMUM DC nominal voltage a residential GRID-TIED system in the U.S. can be configured to (by code) is: A.)12 volts B.)24 volts C.)50 volts D.)600 volts
600 volts
A homeowner in Phoenix, AZ has a daily load requirement of 9.6 kWh. She has opted to use micro inverters that will produce 250 W at STC. She has set the altitude at 25 degrees, giving her 6.54 hours of insolation. Assuming she has selected a panel that will produce at least 250 W, and assuming her system is 95% efficient - how many solar panels are required to fully meet her load demand? A.)6 B.)7 C.)9 D.)11
7
A #4 AWG TW copper conductor has an ampacity rating of: A.)35A B.)70A C.)85A D.)95A
70A
A solar array is sited at a location that has an optimal solar resource of 4.68 hours of insolation each day. Given the orientation of the array, it actually receives 3.92 hours of insolation each day. The array will also experience 5% shading over the course of the year. What is the total solar resource fraction (TSRF) for this installation? A.)3.72 hours B.)4.45 hours C.)79.57 % D.)83.76 %
79.57%
Using a rough rule-of-thumb, how much space will be required on a typical roof for an 8 kW array? A.)400 square feet (40 square meters) B.)4,000 square feet (400 square meters) C.)800 square feet (80 square meters) D.)8,000 square feet (800 square meters)
800 square feet (80 square meters)
According to government statistics, in 2018 the average U.S. home consumed about ____ of electricity per month. A.)850 Wh B.)460 kWh C.)2675 kWh D.)915 kWh
915 kWh
A client wishes to increase the power output of their 5-year-old solar array. Which of the following options would likely be the best option (barring unusual circumstances)? A.)Add additional panels to the system B.)Add an active tracking system C.)Replace all the solar panels with more efficient models D.)Add additional batteries to the system
Add additional panels to the system
The capacity of a battery is generally measured in: A.)Ah at C20 B.)number of cycles at DOD C.)nominal voltage D.)peak charge at MPPT
Ah at C20
Which of the following is NOT a safety recommendation when working with electric wires? A.)Always check and test exposed wires, ensuring there is no current present before handling. B.)Wear safety goggles when working with electrical systems. C.)Always use protective gloves and wear insulated shoes when working on electrical systems. D.)Always wear a respirator when working with exposed wiring.
Always wear a respirator when working with exposed wiring.
The main DC disconnect is required to include a label that contains the following information, except: A.)Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) B.)Array Generating Capacity (kW) C.)Maximum Power Voltage (Vmp) D.)Short Circuit Current (Isc)
Array Generating Capacity (kW)
The portion of the NEC that specifically addresses photovoltaics is: A.)Article 690 B.)Chapter 250 C.)Section 8.5 D.)NEC 2014
Article 690
Using the below sun chart, determine the optimal angle of the array to capture the most energy from the sun on March 30th at 10 am (solar time). A.)Azimuth: solar south (180°), Altitude: latitude (48°) B.)Azimuth: solar south (180°), Altitude: 65° C.)Azimuth: solar south (180°), Altitude: 25° D.)Azimuth: southeast (135°), Altitude: 45°
Azimuth: southeast (135°), Altitude: 45°
An AC Disconnect should comply with all of the following EXCEPT: A.)Isolate the PV system from the electric utility grid. B.)Be located at least 10 feet away from the point where the PV system connects with the grid. C.)Be externally operable. D.)Be clearly marked "Distributed Generation Disconnect Switch."
Be located at least 10 feet away from the point where the PV system connects with the grid.
Which of the following is NOT a widely available type of PV solar cell on the market today? A.)Monocrystalline PV B.)Bicrystalline PV C.)Polycrystalline PV D.)Amorphous PV
Bicrystalline PV
A proper lockout/tagout procedure should include all the following steps EXCEPT: A.)Ensure all devices and disconnects are in the closed position. B.)Attach a locking mechanism to the devices to ensure they cannot be re-energized by mistake. C.)Attach a tag to the device explaining that the device is temporarily off due to system service or maintenance. D.)Notify all persons who may be affected that the system is about to be shut down and notify them when the system is operational once more.
Ensure all devices and disconnects are in the closed position.
One limitation of conducting a remote site assessment includes: A.)Lidar imagery is inherently unreliable B.)Assessment tools are too expensive to be practical C.)On-site visits save time and money D.)Imaging systems often rely on outdated information
Imaging systems often rely on outdated information
The voltage drop of a system is too great. What can a system designer typically do to fix this problem? A.)Increase the storage capacity of the battery bank. B.)Incorporate a voltage diode into the system. C.)Increase the size of the wires used. D.)Increase the Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) setting within your inverter.
Increase the size of the wires used.
_______________ employ multiple layers of thin films. Each layer can more efficiently absorb light within a very narrow band. In combination, these cells can more efficiently absorb light over a wider portion of the electromagnet spectrum. A.)Monocrystalline cells B.)Multi-Junction photovoltaic cells C.)Polycrystalline cells D.)Thin-Film
Multi-Junction photovoltaic cells
The National Electrical Code is published every three years by the: A.)National Electrical Commission B.)National Renewable Energy Laboratories C.)National Fire Protection Association D.)North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners
National Fire Protection Association
In the US, which agency is tasked with the responsibility to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women? A.)OSHA B.)ETL C.)CSA D.)UL
OSHA
Which of the following is NOT a circuit in a typical grid-tied PV system? A.)PV Input Circuit B.)PV Output Circuit C.)Inverter Input Circuit D.)Inverter Output Circuit
PV Input Circuit
You have configured a solar powered electric fence designed to operate 24-hours a day. Your solar panel is rated at 12 nominal volts. When you test the fence, you find it is generating a 2000 volt electric shock. Which of the following did you need to configure your system? A.)PV Panel, Inverter, 12 Vdc Battery Bank, AC Disconnect, DC Voltage Converter B.)PV Panel, Charge Controller, 12 Vdc Battery Bank, AC Disconnect C.)PV Panel, Charge Controller, 6 Vdc Battery Bank, DC Disconnect, Combiner Box, Inverter D.)PV Panel, DC Disconnect, Charge Controller, 12 Vdc Battery Bank, DC Voltage Converter
PV Panel, DC Disconnect, Charge Controller, 12 Vdc Battery Bank, DC Voltage Converter
Which of the following components within a PV system is typically NOT considered as part of the balance of systems (BOS)? A.)PV panel B.)battery system C.)disconnects D.)controller
PV panel
Which of the following is NOT a factor in determining the size (in amp-hours) of a stand-alone system's battery bank? A.)The daily system load requirements. B.)The nominal voltage of the system. C.)Peak hours of sunlight (insolation) for the location. D.)Depth of Discharge (DOD) of the battery bank.
Peak hours of sunlight (insolation) for the location.
______________ are constructed by pouring molten silicon into bars, and then slicing wafers from the hardened material. This type of PV cell is less expensive to produce, but is also a bit less efficient. A.)Monocrystalline cells B.)Multi-Junction photovoltaic cells C.)Polycrystalline cells D.)Thin-Film
Polycrystalline cells
A charge controller must be compatible with all the following EXCEPT: A.)The battery bank's nominal voltage. B.)The array's nominal voltage. C.)The inverter's power rating (in watts). D.)The array's output rating (in watts).
The inverter's power rating (in watts).
Which of the following is an example of a dead weight of the PV system? A.)The weight of an installer walking on the roof. B.)Pressure from wind flowing over an array. C.)The shipping weight of the racking and panels. D.)The weight of the shingles and decking on the roof.
The shipping weight of the racking and panels.
One advantage of _________ technology (also referred to as amorphous, meaning "without shape") is that they are flexible and can be more easily integrated into the building design - such as solar shingles. A.)Monocrystalline cells B.)Multi-Junction Photovoltaic Cells C.)Polycrystalline cells D.)Thin-Film
Thin-Film
Which is preferred, landscape or portrait orientation? A.)Landscape is preferred on ground mounted systems, while portrait is preferred on rooftop installations. B.)Landscape is preferred on rooftops built before 1970 to more evenly distribute the weight across more support rafters. C.)The preferred method is determined by local building officials. D.)This is largely determined by the racking system design.
This is largely determined by the racking system design.
Which of the following wire insulation is rated for outdoor wet conditions and is an acceptable alternative to PV wire? A.)THHN B.)THWN C.)NEC D.)USE-2
USE-2
When seeking to decrease the effect of voltage drop on a circuit, which of the following is NOT an effective solution? A.)Shorten the length of the circuit. B.)Use a smaller (in diameter) wire size. C.)Increase the voltage of the system. D.)Select a wire with better conducting properties.
Use a smaller (in diameter) wire size.
Bare wire or green insulation will always indicate the wire is part of: A.)a photovoltaic system B.)a hybrid system C.)a DC system D.)a ground and bonding system
a ground and bonding system
A grid-tied PV system has suddenly stopped working completely. Which of the following is most likely the cause of such a situation? A.)heat fade B.)shading C.)a ground fault D.)dirt on the modules
a ground fault
When an unintended pathway is created between a PV array and a grounded surface, this is known as: A.)grounding and bonding B.)an arc fault C.)a ground fault D.)short circuit current
a ground fault
Prior to selling products in the marketplace, reputable manufactures must submit them to __________ to ensure that they conform with the appropriate industry standard. A.)NABCEP B.)NFPA C.)IEEE D.)a national recognized testing laboratory (NRTL)
a national recognized testing laboratory (NRTL)
Albert Einstein argued that light was made up of tiny packets of energy that moved like a wave. He called these packets of energy "lichtquant" - or light quantum. This term later became known as: A.)a photon B.)photovoltaics C.)a semi-conductor D.)an electron
a photon
A two-dimensional diagram representing the tracking of the sun over an entire year for a given latitude is referred to as: A.)an insolation map B.)an I-V curve C.)a sun chart D.)all of the above
a sun chart
The NEC ampacity ratings for conductors (NEC TABLE 310-165 (B) 16) assumes the wires are operating at: A.)a temperature of 20° C (68° F) B.)a temperature of 25° C (77° F) C.)a temperature of 30° C (86° F) D.)a temperature of 40° C (104° F)
a temperature of 30° C (86° F)
In an AC coupled or DC coupled PV system, the device that disconnects the PV system from the grid in the event of a power outage is called: A.)a transfer switch B.)a rapid shutdown disconnect C.)the six-handle rule D.)a rapid shutdown initiator
a transfer switch
Using the below declination map, estimate the adjustment required to a magnetic compass while siting an array in Denver, Colorado (indicated with red "X"). A.)no adjustment is required B.)adjust the array 11 degrees east of magnetic north C.)adjust the array 7 degrees east of magnetic south D.)adjust the array 7 degrees west of magnetic south
adjust the array 11 degrees east of magnetic north
When mounting a racking system on a rooftop, ensure that: A.)it is located at least 36 inches from the sides and ridge of the roof. B.)the mounting brackets are secured to the rafters. C.)the rails are mounted perpendicular to the run of the rafters. D.)all of the above
all of the above
When placing an array on a roof, which of the following should be considered? A.)the live weight B.)the dead weight C.)condition of the rafters D.)all of the above.
all of the above.
When adjusting the orientation of a solar panel up and down in relation to the horizon, this adjustment affects its: A.)azimuth B.)altitude C.)declination D.)resistance
altitude
When sizing a battery bank, its storage capacity is measured in: A.)discharge rate B.)watts C.)charging cycle D.)amp-hours
amp-hours
The amount of flow or current is measured in: A.)watts B.)volts C.)amps D.)ohms
amps
Watts equals: A.)volts minus resistance B.)amps times volts C.)volts divided by amps D.)resistance plus amps divided by volts
amps times volts
When selecting a stand-alone inverter, all the following specifications are important EXCEPT: A.)system nominal voltage rating B.)power rating C.)conversion efficiency D.)anti-islanding feature
anti-islanding feature
Which of the following will likely create the greatest REDUCTION in a PV module's output? A.)measured cell temperature of below zero degrees Celsius B.)the age of the panel is 10 years old C.)approximately one-quarter of the panel is covered in snow D.)the 200 W panel is half the size of another 200 W panel
approximately one-quarter of the panel is covered in snow
A battery C-rating of C20 means: A.)at that rate of discharge a battery will be fully drained in 20 minutes B.)at that rate of charging, it will take 20 hours to fully charge a battery bank C.)at that rate of discharge, it will take 20 hours to fully drain the battery D.)at the current rate of discharge, optimum capacity will be reached at a 20% DOD
at that rate of discharge, it will take 20 hours to fully drain the battery
Standard Test Conditions also assume two other conditions (other than irradiance) be present. These include: A.)wind speeds of less than 5 mph, and ambient air temperatures of 77 degrees Celsius B.)wind speeds greater than 5 mph, and ambient air temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius C.)atmospheric pressure equal to 1.5, and cell temperatures of 77 degrees Celsius D.)atmospheric pressure equal to 1.5, and cell temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius
atmospheric pressure equal to 1.5, and cell temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius
When adjusting the orientation of a solar panel from east to west, this adjustment affects its: A.)azimuth B.)altitude C.)declination D.)resistance
azimuth
The energy from a photon striking a solar panel must be at least as much as is required to "knock" an electron across the space where the top wafer of a solar cell and the bottom wafer meet. Silicon has a relatively low _________ energy level (1.1 electron volts - or 1.1 eV). A.)transference zone B.)convergence zone C.)PV junction D.)band gap
band gap
All grid-tied inverters must: A.)be rated at no more than 48 volts DC. B.)be UL 1741 listed. C.)incorporate a modified sine wave output wave form. D.)be rated at 125% of the array's output as per the NEC.
be UL 1741 listed.
To avoid electrical shocks if a ladder comes in contact with a charged conductor, ladders should: A.)be made of fiberglass. B.)be less than 24 feet tall. C.)be rated to carry the weight of the person climbing as well as any tools and/or material they may be carrying. D.)be secured at the top and at the bottom of the ladder.
be made of fiberglass.
An inverter that can function both as a grid-tied inverter as well as a stand-alone inverter is referred to as a(n) ___________ inverter. A.)bimodal B.)micro C.)UL 1741 listed D.)inter-tie
bimodal
According to the NEC, when connected to a functionally grounded inverter (which is normal in today's market), the color of the NEGATIVE wire must be: A.)black, red, or any other color ( other than green or white) B.)green or green with yellow stripes C.)white or gray D.)bare copper wire
black, red, or any other color ( other than green or white)
According to the NEC, when connected to a functionally grounded inverter (which is normal in today's market), the color of the POSITIVE wire must be: A.)black, red, or any other color ( other than green or white) B.)green or green with yellow stripes C.)white or gray D.)bare copper wire
black, red, or any other color ( other than green or white)
At night, or if the panels are shaded, the energy stored in the batteries can flow backwards, from the battery to the panel. To prevent this from happening, a ___________ can be placed within the wiring system. A.)bypass diodes B.)blocking diodes C.)rectifying diodes D.)amplifying diodes
blocking diodes
The system designed to eliminate all unwanted current from non-current carrying metal components is referred to as: A.)net metering B.)a blocking diode C.)transient flow resistance D.)bonding and grounding
bonding and grounding
The charge controller handles the various stages of charging within deep cycle batteries. These stages typically include: A.)bulk, absorption, floating B.)full, tapering, leveling C.)equalization, absorption, floating D.)equalization, leveling, absorption
bulk, absorption, floating
Which of the following is NOT a relatively recent innovation in solar cell design? A.)bifacial cells B.)PERC cells C.)half-cut cells D.)busbar cells
busbar cells
When the DC power feeding an inverter is more than the inverter's rated capacity, the resulting power loss is referred to as: A.)clipping B.)resistance C.)ripple D.)voltage drop
clipping
The place where multiple strings from an array are connected in parallel is referred to as the: A.)junction box B.)MC4 connector C.)raceway D.)combiner box
combiner box
What is the primary difference between a combiner box and a junction box in a PV system? A.)combiner boxes are used in roof mounted systems, hile junction boxes are used in ground mounted systems B.)combiner boxes incorporate overcurrent protection, hile junction boxes do not C.)combiner boxes connect PV source circuits in parallel while junction boxes do not D.)combiner boxes are placed in the PV output circuit while junction boxes are located within the inverter input circuit
combiner boxes connect PV source circuits in parallel while junction boxes do not
Which of the following is NOT a common problem if too much torque is applied to a connection? A.)galled hardware B.)stressed or damaged connections C.)deformed connections D.)connections that become hot, and can lead to arcing or fires
connections that become hot, and can lead to arcing or fires
The amount of energy (measured in watt-hours) a household might use in an average day is known as the household's: A.)maximum power draw B.)continuous power rating C.)daily load demand D.)power surge rating
daily load demand
To account for the inefficiencies of a PV system as the result of voltage drop, loss due to connections, inverter inefficiencies, internal battery load resistance, etc, you must ___________________ the estimated power output of your array. A.)reduce B.)future-proof C.)insolate D.)derate
derate
A __________is typically made of a semi-conductor material and allows energy to flow in only one direction. A.)diode B.)capacitor C.)conductor D.)insulator
diode
A system that produces energy at or near the point where it will be used, and is generally owned by the customer (such as a solar array or a generator) is referred to as a: A.)distributed energy system B.)disbursed energy system C.)interconnected energy system D.)net metered energy system
distributed energy system
Which of the following is NOT an advantage in selecting a lithium-ion battery over a deep cycle lead acid battery? A.)higher energy density by weight B.)easier to recycle C.)more resistant to cold temperatures D.)extended life cycle
easier to recycle
EMT conduit stands for : A.)electrical metallic tubing B.)exterior metallic tubing C.)environmentally maintained tubing D.)electro-mechanical tubing
electrical metallic tubing
When a circuit is closed: A.)it is disconnected from the utility grid B.)power cannot flow through it C.)a fuse has blown or a circuit breaker has tripped D.)electrons can flow through it
electrons can flow through it
EMT conduit must be supported: A.)every 3 feet, except for buried conduit runs. B.)every 10 feet and within 3 feet of each box, fitting or cabinet. C.)every 4 ½ feet and within 12 inches on each side of each box, fitting or cabinet. D.)at a distance not to exceed the take-up subtracted from the stub height.
every 10 feet and within 3 feet of each box, fitting or cabinet.
A system that guarantees the retail price to renewable energy generators for a period of time is known as a: A.)investment tax credit (ITC) B.)renewable energy certificate (REC) C.)payback period (PP) D.)feed-in tariff (FIT)
feed-in tariff (FIT)
A _______ is used to pull conductors through a conduit. A.)fish tape B.)conduit body C.)cleat D.)PFAS
fish tape
Which of the following inverter systems comply with the NEC 2014 "rapid shutdown" provision? A.)bimodal inverters with MPPT B.)multi-modal inverters with PWM C.)fixed voltage inverters with power optimizers D.)none of the above
fixed voltage inverters with power optimizers
A racking system that follows the pitch of the roof and is off-set from the roof deck by four to 10 inches is referred to as a(n): A.)flashed -to-deck racking system. B.)building integrated racking system. C.)flush-to-roof racking system. D.)flat-roof racking system.
flush-to-roof racking system
Determining restrictions on the height of buildings adjacent to the property where an array is mounted might be an example of: A.)hazard assessment B.)building integrated PV C.)commissioning the system D.)future proofing
future proofing
When two dissimilar metals (such as the aluminum frame of a solar panel and the copper ground wire) come in contact with each other, _________ may occur. A.)galled hardware B.)vibrational loosening C.)dielectric malformation D.)galvanic corrosion
galvanic corrosion
A point where the cost of electricity from a solar energy system is the same price as electricity purchased from the local electric company is known as ____________________________ . A.)grid parity B.)the feed-in tariff C.)delightful D.)the solar set-aside
grid parity
A PV system that uses batteries and IS connected to the local utility is referred to as a: A.)grid-tied system B.)grid-interactive system C.)grid-backup system D.)off-grid system
grid-interactive system
Which of the following PV systems will need to incorporate a utility interface? A.)stand-alone B.)grid-tied C.)solar thermal D.)direct current
grid-tied
A PV system that DOES NOT use batteries and IS connected to the local utility is referred to as a: A.)grid-tied system B.)grid-interactive system C.)grid-fallback system D.)off-grid system
grid-tied system
The most common type of residential home PV system installed in developed countries today is the: A.)grid-tied system B.)grid-interactive system C.)grid-fallback system D.)off-grid system
grid-tied system
Which of the following is NOT considered a major component of the electrical grid? A.)generation B.)harmonization C.)transmission D.)distribution
harmonization
A grid-tied PV system is generating less power than expected. Which of the following is most likely the cause of such a situation? A.)heat fade B.)reversed polarity C.)the grid is down D.)a ground fault
heat fade
A weak module reacting with excessive voltage loss due to increased cell temperature is known as: A.)heat loss B.)heat resistance C.)heat drop D.)heat fade
heat fade
Which of the following is NOT part of a typical roof-top racking system? A.)helical piers B.)top-down mounting clamp C.)footings D.)rails
helical piers
Cycles per second are referred to as: A.)hertz B.)Ohms C.)joules D.)intensity
hertz
Which of the following is NOT relevant to DC circuits? A.)resistance B.)hertz C.)Ohms Law D.)voltage drop
hertz
A distributed energy system that incorporates BOTH solar (PV) and wind power would be an example of a: A.)grid-tied system B.)grid-fallback system C.)hybrid system D.)redundant system
hybrid system
If the wire from a PV array is placed in a conduit and exposed to sunlight, the ampacity rating required for that wire must: A.)be adjusted by a 1.25 correction factor B.)increase C.)be adjusted if there are less than 4 conductors in the conduit D.)not exceed 23 amps
increase
Which of the following will NOT decrease the life expectancy of a battery bank in a PV system? A.)increase the depth of discharge B.)increase the heat where they are stored C.)increase the number of cycles D.)increase the system voltage
increase the system voltage
Peak sun hours is a measurement of a location's: A.)declination B.)azimuth C.)latitude D.)insolation
insolation
Attaching a photovoltaic system to the grid is known as: A.)commissioning B.)net-metering C.)interconnecting D.)a solar set-aside
interconnecting
A system has been designed with an 8.5 kW solar array and a 7.6 kW inverter.This system is said to have a 1.19: A.)inverter load ratio (ILR) B.)total solar resource fraction (TSRF) C.)DC-to-DC voltage conversion D.)voltage drop
inverter load ratio (ILR)
Changes to the rapid shutdown provisions that went into effect within the 2017 NEC include all the following EXCEPT: A.)when the PV system disconnect is turned off, conductors within one foot of the array boundary (rather than 10 ft) must be energized to no more than 30 volts within 30 seconds B.)inverters must comply with Rule 21 and be listed as UL1741-SA compliant C.)within the array boundary, there is no conductor with a voltage higher than 80 Vdc when rapid shutdown is initiated D.)a label must be attached to the rapid shutdown disconnect indicating the system is in compliance with the new 2017 code requirement
inverters must comply with Rule 21 and be listed as UL1741-SA compliant
The situation where a PV system is generating power to the electrical grid while the grid is "down" (no electricity flowing from the utility) is known as: A.)islanding B.)grid-tied C.)a utility interface D.)band gap energy
islanding
Silicon works well as a material from which to construct solar cells because: A.)it is doped B.)it is an n-type material C.)it is an excellent conductor D.)it is a semiconductor
it is a semiconductor
Which of the following is NOT a factor that will affect the performance of a solar cell? A.)the band gap energy characteristics B.)the internal load resistance C.)the size of the cell D.)its Ah capacity
its Ah capacity
When selecting the appropriate wire gauge, which of the following is of greatest concern? A.)the price B.)its ampacity rating C.)its resistance rating D.)its voltage rating
its ampacity rating
When evaluating a roof for a possible PV array, which is NOT a consideration? A.)age of the shingles B.)structural condition of the rafters C.)pitch of the roof D.)its demarcation point
its demarcation point
The cell temperature of a panel is measured and found to be 30ºC. This panel will produce ________ energy compared to a similar panel measured at 25ºC. A.)more B.)less C.)the same D.)twice the
less
Which of the following battery types have been known to spontaneously combust when a cell is damaged? A.)deep cycle lead acid B.)lithium-ion C.)absorbed glass mat D.)nickel cadmium
lithium-ion
Generally the first step in designing a PV system is to determine the: A.)load requirements B.)customer's budget C.)cost of solar panels D.)the size of the array
load requirements
Storing excess power generated by the PV array and then using the stored power during periods of high-cost power in known as: A.)clipping B.)time-of-use pricing C.)peak shaving D.)load shifting
load shifting
The most power (measured in watts) a household might use at any particular moment is referred to as the household's: A.)maximum power draw B.)continuous power rating C.)daily load demand D.)power surge rating
maximum power draw
At some point along the diagram, the panel will produce the most power (watts). But this point will not be at maximum voltage (the Voc) nor will it be at maximum current (Isc). This point along the curve when the most power is produced by the panel is referred to as its: A.)nexus B.)matrix C.)p-n junction D.)maximum power point
maximum power point
The _______ is the rating on a solar panel that indicates the voltage a panel will produce when generating its rated power when measured under standard test conditions. A.)maximum power (Pmax) B.)maximum power voltage (Vmp) C.)open circuit voltage (Voc) D.)short circuit voltage (Isc)
maximum power voltage (Vmp)
NOCT stands for: A.)nominal operating cell temperatures B.)normal operating test conditions C.)national official certified test D.)normal observed conditional testing
nominal operating cell temperatures
Commonly a solar panel used in a stand-alone PV system will be described as a 12-volt or 24-volt panel. When referenced in this manner, we are speaking of the panel's: A.)open-circuit voltage B.)nominal voltage C.)short-circuit voltage D.)maximum power voltage
nominal voltage
When placing the BOS of a PV system, ensure that: A.)they are facing as close to solar south as possible. B.)all cabinets and cases are rated for interior conditions. C.)they do not contain any overcurrent protection. D.)none of the above
none of the above
When placing several rows of ground-mounted panels, in order to avoid inter-row shading: A.)mount the panels using a landscape orientation B.)make sure each row is set at least 9 feet apart C.)adjust the azimuth to not less than 15 degrees off true south D.)none of the above
none of the above. Equation is 3/tan22 degrees or 3 feet back for every 1 foot
The photovoltaic effect: A.)refers to changes our society has experienced as more and more people adopt solar electric systems. B.)occurs when heat is released as light photons strike a solid surface, such as the surface of a PV panel. C.)refers to the unusual characteristic of photons, where they can behave as a particle as well as a wave. D.)occurs when the light from the sun is converted into electricity.
occurs when the light from the sun is converted into electricity
A PV system that uses batteries and is NOT connected to the local utility is referred to as a: A.)grid-tied system B.)grid-interactive system C.)grid-fallback system D.)off-grid system
off-grid system
When referencing the resistance characteristics of various conductors or wires, the NEC measures in the following units: A.)volts per watt B.)amps per volt C.)watts per square meter D.)ohms per 1,000 feet
ohms per 1,000 feet
A simple electrical drawing that uses boxes to represent the various components of a PV system and lines to represent the conductors and conduits connecting these components together is called a(n) _________. A.)one-line drawing B.)plan view C.)application package D.)as built diagram
one-line drawing
From a very practical perspective, the photovoltaics industry is: A.)only about 10 years old. B.)reaching a point of market saturation. C.)is an industry in decline. D.)controlled by only one or two dominant manufacturers.
only about 10 years old.
The _______ is the rating on a solar panel that indicates the theoretical maximum voltage a panel can produce when measured under standard test conditions. A.)maximum power (Pmax) B.)maximum power voltage (Vmp) C.)open circuit voltage (Voc) D.)short circuit voltage (Isc)
open circuit voltage (Voc)
The highest voltage a panel can generate (under standard test conditions), with no load connected to it is referred to as the panel's: A.)open-circuit voltage B.)nominal voltage C.)short-circuit voltage D.)maximum power voltage
open-circuit voltage
Emergency shutdown procedures are an example of information that may be included in ______________________. A.)operation and maintenance documents B.)the plan view C.)the electrical permit D.)commissioning forms
operation and maintenance documents
All of the following are common problems caused by poor design, EXCEPT: A.)oversizing of wire and conduit B.)a poor site survey C.)failure to account for future shading D.)balance of systems undersized
oversizing of wire and conduit
A proper maintenance and troubleshooting regime should always begin with: A.)periodic commissioning B.)periodic compliance C.)periodic monitoring D.)periodic equalization
periodic monitoring
What emerging PV technology results in transparent or many colored cells, making them ideal for solar windows or other building integrated applications? A.)Multi-Junction thin film B.)flat-plate modules C.)two-dimensional solar cells D.)perovskite solar cells
perovskite solar cells
Converting the energy of the sun from light to electricity is known as ___________________ . A.)solar thermal B.)photovoltaics C.)polycrystalline D.)megawatts
photovoltaics
As the temperature of the PV array rises above 25 degrees C, the panel will: A.)produce more power B.)produce less power C.)temperature does not affect the ability of a panel to produce power D.)automatically disconnect at 35 degrees C
produce less power
A battery bank with a capacity of 600 Ah will: A.)provide 20 amps of power for 600 hours B.)provide 20 amps of power for 15 hours to a 50% DOD C.)provide 10 amps of power for 15 hours to a 20% DOD D.)provide 600 continuous amps over a 24 hour period
provide 20 amps of power for 15 hours to a 50% DOD
Older charge controllers used a thermostat type control known as a series controller. Today most charge controllers use: A.)parallel controllers B.)inverters C.)MC4 connectors D.)pulse width modulation (PWM)
pulse width modulation (PWM)
A checklist of all the steps or tasks that remain unfinished on a PV system installation project is typically referred to as a _________________. A.)commissioning form B.)compliance form C.)inspection list D.)punch list
punch list
What technology used within inverters is generally used today to most closely mimic utility power, and avoids problems with sensitive electronic devices? A.)square wave B.)modified sine wave C.)pure sine wave D.)net-metering
pure sine wave
Which of the following is NOT an electrical test normally conducted during the commissioning process? A.)polarity testing B.)resistance testing C.)reactance testing D.)performance testing
reactance testing
A load diverter: A.)reduces the system load demand when the array is not generating enough power. B.)redirects excess power to the grid for net metering through a grid-tied inverter. C.)reduces the load from the array so the battery bank does not overcharge. D.)redirects excess power from the array to a load dump, such as a hot water heater.
redirects excess power from the array to a load dump, such as a hot water heater.
The most effective way of reducing the cost of a photovoltaic system in a residential setting is: A.)to increase the number of hours of insolation at the site. B.)to increase the size of the array by adding additional panels. C.)to connect the system to the electrical grid. D.)reduce the load demand through energy efficiencies.
reduce the load demand through energy efficiencies.
More people are killed each year in the U.S. working on _______________ systems than any other type of electrical system. A.)photovoltaic electrical B.)high voltage electrical C.)regular household electrical D.)hybrid electrical
regular household electrical
Owners of solar energy systems can often make additional money by selling ________________________ to utilities, who must produce a certain amount of their power from renewable sources according to the state's renewable portfolio standard. A.)renewable set-asides B.)easement reduction credits C.)utility portfolio standards certificates D.)renewable energy certificates
renewable energy certificates
Which of the following is NOT a technical concern when adding distributed energy sources to the electrical grid? A.)voltage violations B.)renewable portfolio standard C.)system instability D.)increased demand ramping
renewable portfolio standard
When a state determines that a certain amount of energy must be generated through a renewable source, this is referred to as the state's: A.)solar renewable energy certificate (SREC) B.)renewable energy manifesto (REM) C.)renewable energy certificate (REC) D.)renewable portfolio standard (RPS)
renewable portfolio standard (RPS)
When measuring the terminals of a blown fuse with a multimeter set to perform a continuity test, the reading will show: A.)resistance = 0 B.)voltage = 0 C.)resistance = 1 (or infinite) D.)amps = 1 (or infinite)
resistance = 1 (or infinite)
Rails on mounting systems should be oriented to: A.)attach to the perimeter of the panels. B.)run perpendicular to the short side of the panel. C.)run perpendicular to the long side of the panel. D.)Run perpendicular to the long side when oriented in a landscape configuration, but along the short side when oriented in a portrait configuration.
run perpendicular to the long side of the panel.
The 2017 NEC allows for and addresses permanently installed higher voltage battery systems referred to as: A.)AC coupled systems B.)DC coupled systems C.)lithium-ion battery banks D.)self-contained energy storage systems
self-contained energy storage systems
Solar Cells rely on a materials such as silicon that allow some, but not all of the energy to flow through them. These materials are known as: A.)p-n junction compounds B.)semi-conductors C.)doped conductors D.)a diode
semi-conductors
The NEC permits a maximum of __ disconnects for any electrical service. A.)one B.)two C.)three D.)six
six
Which of the following would be useful in determining if a specific site has enough sunlight available to support a PV system? A.)solar insolation map B.)a solar window C.)a declination chart D.)a topographical relief diagram
solar insolation map
An SREC is a: A.)special regional energy commission B.)silicon resistant emitting crystal C.)sustainable renewable energy concept D.)solar renewable energy certificate
solar renewable energy certificate
The ratings noted on most solar panels are the result of laboratory testing using: A.)generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) B.)standard test conditions (STC) C.)Underwriters Laboratories (UL) D.)American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
standard test conditions (STC)
A number of solar panels connected in series is referred to as a(n): A.)array B.)bank C.)string D.)band
string
When bending EMT conduit: A.)bends cannot extend beyond 90 degrees. B.)subtract the take-up from the stub height. C.)no more than 360 degrees of bends are allowed in a single circuit. D.)ensure the bend is properly crimped.
subtract the take-up from the stub height.
Which of the following will help minimize system damage in the event of a lightning strike? A.)surge protection B.)fuses and circuit breakers C.)ground fault detection D.)all of the above
surge protection
How much a panel's energy production increases or decreases for every degree Celsius the cell temperature varies from STC is known as the panel's: A.)IV curve B.)open circuit voltage C.)nominal operating cell temperature D.)temperature coefficient
temperature coefficient
Net-metering laws require: A.)that utilities provide meters free of charge to all distributed energy system owners. B.)that utilities allow solar energy system owners to sell excess energy to the utility. C.)that utilities provide a certain amount of energy (varies from state-to-state) from renewable sources such as wind, solar or hydro. D.)that utilities have "first option" on all power generated through distributed energy systems owned by their customers, meaning that the owner must sell to the utility prior to making the energy available to any other potential customers.
that utilities allow solar energy system owners to sell excess energy to the utility.
When determining the ampacity rating of the connection between the service entrance cable and the AC disconnect (located within 10 feet) in a SUPPLY SIDE connection, the designer must use the: A.)ampacity of the service entrance circuit B.)maximum ampacity output of the inverter x a 1.25 safety margin C.)the ampacity rating of the AC disconnect D.)the 10-foot tap rule
the 10-foot tap rule
Every solar panel has unique power output characteristics that can be diagrammed in a chart by plotting how many watts of power are generated at each and every level of current and at every voltage. This is called: A.)the maximum efficiency diagram B.)the I-V curve C.)multi-junction display pattern D.)manufacturer's reliability function
the I-V curve
The document that details industry best practices from a SAFETY perspective in the U.S. is: A.)the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). B.)Underwriters Laboratories (UL). C.)the National Electrical Code (NEC). D.)the Electronic Technicians Association International (ETA-I).
the National Electrical Code (NEC).
In the U.S., rules regarding climbing safety are generally formed by: A.)the International Building Code (IBC) B.)the National Electrical Code (NEC) C.)the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) D.)the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
Which of the following is NOT a common and legitimate reason for opting to make a supply side connection rather than a load side connection? A.)the array is too small for a load side connection B.)there is no room in the service panel for a load side connection C.)the utility requires it D.)the service panel is equipped with a main GFPE breaker that does not allow backfeed
the array is too small for a load side connection
Which of the following is NOT a factor that affects how much power a solar panel will produce? A.)the size of the panel B.)the reflective coating on the panel C.)the air temperature D.)the relative humidity
the relative humidity
When sizing a GRID TIED inverter, the size of the inverter is directly related to: A.)the daily load demand B.)the maximum power draw C.)the size of the battery bank D.)the size of the array
the size of the array
The electricity consumed by all the lights and appliances in a structure is referred to as: A.)the system load. B.)the grid fallback. C.)the irradiance of the site. D.)the net-meter.
the system load.
When a number of solar panels are connected in parallel: A.)the voltage and amps remain the same B.)the voltage increases but the amps remain the same C.)the voltage remains the same, but the amps increase D.)both voltage and amps increase
the voltage remains the same, but the amps increase
Live loads refer to all the following EXCEPT: A.)the weight of the racking system. B.)the lift from wind passing over a panel. C.)the weight of snow and/or rain on the rooftop. D.)additional stress placed on the roof during an earthquake.
the weight of the racking system
The 2017 NEC allows for battery systems that are located within a single box and only accessible by an authorized technician (not the homeowner or untrained installer) and listed as compliant with the UL 9540 standard to be configured in voltages up to: A.)50 Vdc B.)100 Vdc C.)600 Vdc D.)there is no voltage limit on these systems
there is no voltage limit on these systems
Roof-top mounting systems generally use top-down mounting clamps because: A.)they are generally less expensive than bottom-up mounting clamps. B.)there is usually very little room to work behind the panels on a roof-top installation. C.)they are required by the NEC for residential roof-top installations. D.)all of the above
there is usually very little room to work behind the panels on a roof-top installation.
Nickel-Iron batteries are often used in mining operations because: A.)they can remain discharged for long periods of time. B.)they are very expensive compared to other alternatives. C.)when damaged they tend to explode. D.)they are extremely rugged and robust - can handle large amounts of physical stress.
they are extremely rugged and robust - can handle large amounts of physical stress.
A disadvantage of salt-water batteries is: A.)when overcharged they emit hydrogen gas B.)they are very expensive compared to other alternatives C.)when damaged they tend to explode D.)they are made of toxic materials that are difficult to recycle
they are very expensive compared to other alternatives
Which of the following would NOT be a factor to be considered when derating a PV system? A.)inverter inefficiency B.)total solar resource C.)soiling D.)voltage drop
total solar resource
The total theoretical amount of solar energy available at any given site is known as that site's: A.)total solar resource fraction (TSRF) B.)total solar resource (TSR) C.)tilt and orientation factor (TOF) D.)shading factor (SF)
total solar resource (TSR)
When climbing a ladder, always: A.)use the three-point climbing technique. B.)secure the top and bottom with a rope when there is a potential to fall more than six feet. C.)conduct a lock-out, tag-out process before mounting the first cleat. D.)wear a ANSI-approved eye protection and hard hat.
use the three-point climbing technique.
The loss of an electrical signal over distance as it travels along a conductor due to resistance is referred to as: A.)its root mean square B.)voltage drop C.)the ampacity rating D.)a ground and bonding system
voltage drop
When there is an imbalance between positive and negative charges (such as at the terminals of a battery) there is a difference in electrical potential. This difference is measured in: A.)watts B.)volts C.)amps D.)ohms
volts
Ohm's Law is expressed as: A.)volts = current x resistance B.)watts = amps x volts C.)voltage drop = amps x resistance x twice the distance D.)resistance = amps x volts
volts = current x resistance
Electricity is generally purchased in units referred to as: A.)watts (W) B.)kilowatts per hour (kW/h) C.)watt-hours (Wh) D.)kilo-amps (kA)
watt-hours (Wh)
In a lead-acid battery, the battery's charge capacity: A.)will decrease by about 1% per degree C below 20°C B.)is unaffected by temperature C.)will decrease by about 2% per degree C above 25°C D.)will undercharge in extremely high temperatures
will decrease by about 1% per degree C below 20°C
