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This practice test is designed to help you prepare for the NABCEP PV Associate or Solar Installation Technician certification exam.
It covers topics such as system components, safety protocols, site assessment, installation practices, and basic electrical knowledge.
Each question has four possible answers, with only one correct choice.
Good luck!
NABCEP PV Associate Certification Practice Test (Solar Installation Technician)
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Question 1 |
What is the primary function of a charge controller in a PV system?
Convert AC to DC | |
Store electrical energy | |
Prevent battery overcharging | |
Increase array voltage |
Question 2 |
Which type of current is produced directly by solar panels?
Alternating current | |
Direct current | |
Pulsating current | |
Three-phase current |
Question 3 |
What does STC stand for in PV module specifications?
Solar Test Calibration | |
Standard Time Calibration | |
Standard Test Conditions | |
Static Testing Certification |
Question 4 |
Which tool is used to measure solar irradiance?
Multimeter | |
Ammeter | |
Pyranometer | |
Lux meter |
Question 5 |
What is the typical voltage of a single silicon solar cell?
0.5 V | |
1.5 V | |
12 V | |
3.3 V |
Question 6 |
What does the term “azimuth” refer to in solar system orientation?
Panel pitch | |
Compass direction | |
System height | |
Wire gauge |
Question 7 |
What does VOC refer to on a PV module label?
Voltage on charge | |
Voltage of circuit | |
Open circuit voltage | |
Voltage operation control |
Question 8 |
Which component converts DC power to AC power in a PV system?
Inverter | |
Transformer | |
Rectifier | |
Battery |
Question 9 |
Which type of inverter is typically used with individual solar panels?
String inverter | |
Microinverter | |
Central inverter | |
Sine wave inverter |
Question 10 |
What is a combiner box used for?
Cooling modules | |
Combining multiple strings | |
Increasing voltage | |
Discharging batteries |
Question 11 |
Which of the following best describes net metering?
Measuring panel efficiency | |
Selling unused energy back to the grid | |
Monitoring inverter output | |
Measuring power losses |
Question 12 |
What is the purpose of grounding in PV systems?
Reduce module weight | |
Increase output voltage | |
Improve performance | |
Ensure safety |
Question 13 |
What is the National Electrical Code (NEC) article for solar installations?
250 | |
310 | |
690 | |
800 |
Question 14 |
What does “tilt angle” refer to in PV systems?
Module output rate | |
Mounting hardware | |
Angle from horizontal | |
Grounding point |
Question 15 |
Which type of battery is commonly used in PV off-grid systems?
Lithium-ion | |
Nickel-cadmium | |
Lead-acid | |
Alkaline |
Question 16 |
What is the function of a DC disconnect?
Filter power | |
Shut off power to inverter | |
Ground equipment | |
Connect to utility |
Question 17 |
Which factor most affects solar panel output?
Ambient noise | |
Solar irradiance | |
Ground temperature | |
Wire length |
Question 18 |
Which material is most common in PV cell manufacturing?
Copper | |
Cadmium | |
Silicon | |
Zinc |
Question 19 |
Which of the following would reduce shading losses?
Using larger panels | |
Increasing inverter capacity | |
Installing optimizers | |
Changing battery type |
Question 20 |
What is the purpose of an interconnection agreement?
To receive rebates | |
To join a solar installer network | |
To connect with the utility | |
To apply for permits |
Question 21 |
What unit is used to measure electrical energy?
Volt | |
Ampere | |
Watt | |
Kilowatt-hour |
Question 22 |
Which weather condition most affects PV output efficiency?
Wind | |
Humidity | |
Temperature | |
Barometric pressure |
Question 23 |
What does MPPT stand for?
Maximum Power Point Tracking | |
Minimum Panel Power Time | |
Multi-Phase Panel Transformer | |
Maximum Panel Potential Test |
Question 24 |
What is the effect of a lower tilt angle in the summer?
Increases glare | |
Reduces voltage | |
Optimizes sun exposure | |
Causes overheating |
Question 25 |
In an off-grid system, what provides power when sunlight is unavailable?
Charge controller | |
Grid tie | |
Battery bank | |
Combiner box |
Question 26 |
Which device protects against voltage spikes?
Grounding rod | |
Combiner box | |
Surge protector | |
Disconnect switch |
Question 27 |
What color wire is typically used for grounded conductors in the U.S.?
Red | |
Black | |
Green | |
White |
Question 28 |
What’s the impact of soiling (dust, dirt) on PV panels?
Decreases temperature | |
Increases current | |
Reduces efficiency | |
Enhances power output |
Question 29 |
Which mounting structure is used on flat commercial roofs?
Pole mount | |
Ground mount | |
Ballasted mount | |
Tracking mount |
Question 30 |
What’s the standard test irradiance for STC?
800 W/m² | |
1000 W/m² | |
1200 W/m² | |
1500 W/m² |
Question 31 |
What’s the benefit of three-phase inverters?
Simplified monitoring | |
Better aesthetics | |
Higher efficiency in large systems | |
Easier permitting |
Question 32 |
What is one drawback of string inverters?
High cost | |
Low lifespan | |
Shade affects the entire string | |
Requires multiple meters |
Question 33 |
Which of the following is an example of a passive cooling method for modules?
Internal fans | |
Thermal paste | |
Natural convection | |
Heat sink |
Question 34 |
What is derating?
Increasing voltage | |
Reducing wire size | |
Reducing system capacity | |
Adjusting module tilt |
Question 35 |
What document outlines safe practices on the job site?
Invoice | |
NEC manual | |
Safety Data Sheet | |
Job Hazard Analysis |
Question 36 |
What is a tilt-up mounting system?
Tracker-based system | |
Panel lifting mechanism | |
Adjustable angled system | |
Sloped roof system |
Question 37 |
Which item is part of personal protective equipment (PPE)?
Ladder | |
Conduit | |
Safety glasses | |
Utility knife |
Question 38 |
What is the term for sun-tracking panel systems?
Azimuth arrays | |
Solar flow systems | |
Tracking mounts | |
Peak-finding systems |
Question 39 |
What is the maximum power point?
Highest sunlight angle | |
Peak energy demand | |
Voltage-current combination for maximum output | |
Inverter's max wattage rating |
Question 40 |
What does a voltage drop cause in PV systems?
Higher current | |
Increased efficiency | |
Power loss | |
Short circuit |
Question 41 |
Which of the following is NOT a PV array configuration?
Series | |
Parallel | |
Combined | |
Isolated |
Question 42 |
Which electrical property is most affected by wire length?
Amperage | |
Voltage drop | |
Resistance | |
Frequency |
Question 43 |
Which standard governs PV module safety in the U.S.?
UL 3703 | |
UL 4703 | |
UL 61730 | |
UL 2703 |
Question 44 |
What does a multimeter NOT typically measure?
Voltage | |
Resistance | |
Frequency | |
Power |
Question 45 |
What does a rafter layout help determine?
Inverter sizing | |
Wind speed | |
Structural attachment points | |
Electrical grounding |
Question 46 |
What tool is used to strip insulation from wire?
Wire cutter | |
Crimping tool | |
Stripper | |
Screwdriver |
Question 47 |
Which of the following reduces electrical arc risk?
Arc fault protection | |
Overcurrent devices | |
Ground rod | |
Weatherproof boxes |
Question 48 |
What is the primary benefit of a grid-tied PV system?
Battery savings | |
Energy independence | |
Net metering potential | |
Increased module voltage |
Question 49 |
Which type of mounting system penetrates the roof?
Ballasted | |
Hybrid | |
Flush | |
Tilted |
Question 50 |
What factor is most important when selecting conductor size?
Insulation color | |
Inverter weight | |
Amperage load | |
Number of modules |
Once you are finished, click the button below. Any items you have not completed will be marked incorrect.
There are 50 questions to complete.
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