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NABCEP PV ASSOCIATE EXAMTEST LATEST UPLOAD/25/26, Exams of Advanced Education

Cheyney University of PennsylvaniaAdvanced Education

NABCEP PV ASSOCIATE EXAMTEST LATEST UPLOAD/25/26

Typology: Exams

2025/2026

Available from 03/23/2026

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NABCEP
PV
ASSOCIATE
EXAMTEST LATEST
UPLOAD/25/26
1.
An off-grid installation has a 1HP pump that is on 10% of the time
and a 20W light that is on 100% of the time. What is the monthly
energy use?:
68KWh
1HP
=
746W
746W * 0.1 * 24hours * 30days =
53712Wh
20W * 24hrs * 30days =
14400Wh
14400 + 53712 = 68112Wh
68kWh
2.
What kind of ground faults do most inverters detect?:
DC
Inverters
detect
dc
ground
faults.
AC
ground
faults
are
detected
on
the
AC
side
of
the
inverter
at
the
distribution
paned (MSP,
load
center).
Most
inverters
are
not
connected
to
high
or
medium
voltage.
Medium
voltage
is
thousands
of
volts,
large utility scale inverters are connected to medium voltage via
a transformer
3.
Current carrying ability of a conductor (wire) is called:
Ampacity
4. According to ohms law and voltage drop, the relationship
between voltage
drop and current is: Proportional. Ohms law: V = I*R
More
current
makes
more
voltage
drop.
This
is
a
reason
why
we
need
a
larger
wire
with
more
current,
so
the
wire
resistance is less with a larger wire and there will be less voltage drop.
5. An array in a hot and dry place is not producing as expected in
summer time.
Which of the following is NOT a likely problem:
a)
Decreased ac wire size and voltage loss
b) String size too short
C)
String size too long
D)
Soiling:
C) String size too short. When it is hot, voltage can be low. Too long of a string would be
a problem when it is too cold not too hot.
pf3
pf4
pf5
pf8
pf9
pfa
pfd
pfe

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NABCEP PV ASSOCIATE EXAMTEST LATEST

UPLOAD/25/

  1. An off-grid installation has a 1HP pump that is on 10% of the time and a 20W light that is on 100% of the time. What is the monthly energy use?: 68KWh 1HP = 746W 746W * 0.1 * 24hours * 30days = 53712Wh 20W * 24hrs * 30days = 14400Wh 14400 + 53712 = 68112Wh 68kWh
  2. What kind of ground faults do most inverters detect?: DC Inverters detect dc ground faults. AC ground faults are detected on the AC side of the inverter at the distribution paned (MSP, load center). Most inverters are not connected to high or medium voltage. Medium voltage is thousands of volts, large utility scale inverters are connected to medium voltage via a transformer
  3. Current carrying ability of a conductor (wire) is called: Ampacity
  4. According to ohms law and voltage drop, the relationship between voltage drop and current is: Proportional. Ohms law: V = I*R More current makes more voltage drop. This is a reason why we need a larger wire with more current, so the wire resistance is less with a larger wire and there will be less voltage drop.
  5. An array in a hot and dry place is not producing as expected in summer time. Which of the following is NOT a likely problem: a) Decreased ac wire size and voltage loss b) String size too short C) String size too long D) Soiling: C) String size too short. When it is hot, voltage can be low. Too long of a string would be a problem when it is too cold not too hot.

2 / 14

  1. When using a digital multimeter, what is the first thing you should do?: Inspect the meter. Always inspect first, look before you touch
  2. is the worst design error? A) BIPV on a commercial job B) A fast-growing tree to the north of an array in Idaho C) PV at 5-degree tilt at 40 degrees latitude D)Different tilt angles in a PV source circuit: D) Ditterent tilt or azimuth operation within a source circuit is bad. Series connections should not have ditterent orientations
  3. MPPT is for: MPPT is maximum power point tracking and will optimize the energy harnessed from PV. Some inverters have multiple MPPTs. Charge controllers often, but don't always, have MPPTs
  4. Concentrated PV: A) Only works with direct sunlight B) Usually has a single axis tracker C) Will get 30% power during cloudy conditions D)Is using heat to make electricity: A) Only works in direct sunlight. usually works with 2- axis trackers to always point at the sun and will not work at all in cloudy conditions. Concentrated PV =! Concentrating Solar thermal
  5. Fall protection should be used at heights over: 6 feet
  6. Parallel PV circuit connections increase: Parallel increase current. Series increase voltage
  7. Optimal tilt for off-grid PV system in the winter: Latitude + 15 degrees is Optimal tilt to maximize winter production. The sun is lower in the winter, requiring a higher tilt angle
  8. What is the most acceptable rating of an enclosure for exposed circuit conductors mounted on an outside wall?: NEMA 3R
  9. Bypass diodes are located in the A) Combiner box B) Inverter C) Wiring harness D) PV Module: Bypass diodes are in PV module junction box. Diverts current around a group of cells if one is shaded. Usually 3 diodes/PV module

4 / 14

  1. The interconnection of a PV system is approved by?: The utility
  2. Grounding (bonding) of functionally grounded PV system on a roof should be done to: Racking and frames should be grounded on every PV system. Even ungrounded systems need equipment grounding
  3. Lowest grid voltage: A) Transmission B) Distribution C) Service equipment D) Generation: Service has the lowest voltage. Service voltage is the voltage at the building where the electricity is served
  4. If a 12 PV module has 36 cells, then how many volts in a 54 cell module?: 18 Volts 12V/36 cells to find V/cell V/cell * 54 cells = 18V
  5. Transformers convert: High voltage Low current to low Voltage high Current
  6. Undersized PV array: A) Decreases voltage drop B) Decreases battery life C) Increases current drop D) Increases resistance: Decreased array size decreases battery life (due to not charging battery fully) Not fully charging the battery is not good for the battery
  7. Bypass diodes: A) Reduce current B) Limit effects of shading C) Are wired in series with groups of solar cells and prevent reverse current D) Are in the combiner box: Bypass diodes reduce ettects of shading and are wired in parallel in cells in the junction box on the back of the PV module
  8. Microinverter s (and inverters) are connected between the and the - : between the PV and the service panel
  9. A system that sits on a flat/low slope rooftop and has no

5 / 14 penetrations is called a: A) Flush mounted system B) Flashed system C) BIPV system D) Ballasted system: Ballasted systems are common flat low slope roof systems that are not penetrating the roof. A ballast is something that is relatively heavy keeps the PV from blowing away

  1. Proper slope for an extension ladder?: 1:
  2. The primary source for a utility interactive PV system is the: A) Inverter B) Utility C) PV D) Charge controller: Utility. The interactive inverter will match the voltage and frequency of the utility
  3. What is specified on a charge controller? A) Irradiance limit B) Insolation limit C) Maximum voltage D) Minimum current: A charge controller will have maximum voltage specified (and so will most any equipment). A charge controller will also specify maximum current
  4. Units for irradiance: Irradiance is power per area, usually measured in watts per square meter. 1000W/m^2 is the irradiance level called Peak sun, or irradiance at STC. Energy per area is irradiation or insolation.
  5. What is used to calculate maximum system voltage?: Temperature is used to calculate maximum system voltage along with Voc, the temperature coeflent of Voc and the number of PV modules connected in series.
  6. What will be increased by reflective surfaces (albedo)?: Current. Reflections and in- creased light increases current.
  7. What is the best voltage for charging a 12V lead-acid battery? A) 12V B) 11.8V C) 12.3V D) 14.1V: 14.1. Best voltage for charging a 12V battery is 14.1V (best of the choices given). A 12V

7 / 14 D) Earthquake: Shock. Solar installers are always concerned about shocks and falls. Arc flashes can be very dangerous but are less common

  1. A 4kW PV system with 15% losses in a location with 4.5 sun hours per day, what would be the annual output?: 5585kWh. 4kW * .85 * 4.5 sun hours * 365 days
  2. If available roof area is 12m^2 and the PV is 15% efficient, then how much PV will fit?: 1.8kW 0.15 * 1000W/m^ 150W/m^2 * 12 m^2 = 1800W
  3. Which of the following is a typical direct PM system application? A) Lighting B) Batteries C) Pumping water D) Fire alarm: Pumping water is a common direct-coupled PV application.
  4. Current is affected mostly by A) The number of solar cells in series B) The size of the solar cell C) The backsheet of the solar module D) The temperature of the cell: The size of the solar cell determines the current of a PV module. A larger solar cell will capture more photons and convert them to electron flow. The number of cells in series determines the voltage
  5. In California (east of the zero-degree isogonic line) the north needle of the compass will point:: Slightly East of true North. In California, magnetic declination is to the east
  6. Maintenance of sealed valve regulated lead-acid batteries includes: A) Checking fluid levels B) Equalization charge C) Scrubbing lead plates D) Cleaning terminals: Cleaning terminals. On a SEALED lead-acid battery (also known as maintenance free), one does not have access to the electrolyte fluids. Equalization is not done on sealed batteries, since equalization requires distilled water to be added to the battery. All batteries can have

8 / 14 their terminals cleaned.

  1. Given that Voc is 19V and the temperature correction factor for voltage is 1.2. What would be the maximum system voltage if there were 16 modules in series: 346V. 18V * 1.2 correction factor * 16 in series = 346V
  2. STC watts can be calculated by: Vmp * Imp = STC watts. At Voc there is no current and power is zero. At Isc there is no voltage and power is zero
  3. PV Module: Turns light into electricity. A group of solar cells in a sealed unit.
  4. Interactive inverter: Often called a grid tied inverter. An inverter that reads the voltage of the grid or micro-grid and produces as much power and current as it can, regardless of loads. Interactive inverters are sold according to maximum power output power. They also have dc and ac operating voltage ranges
  5. Microinverter: A small inverter that is mounted behind a PV module
  6. String inverter: An inverter that has PV source circuits (modules connected in series) connected to the inverter
  7. Central inverter: A large inverter, usually in the MW range without PV source circuits connected directly to the inverter. The PV source circuits come out of the combiners to the inverter.
  8. AC module: A module with AC output listed for such use. Can be a micro-inverter mounted on a module if it was tested together
  9. Dc-to-dc converter: Power optimizer. Often mounted behind modules and convert voltage and current. Can often perform other tasks such as monitoring and turning of PV modules. Transformers do for ac what optimizers do for dc
  10. Loads: Devices that use energy. A lightbulb is a load
  11. Conductors: Wires
  12. Conductor sizes: From small to large 18AWG, 16AWG, 14AWG, 12AWG, 10AWG, 8AWG, 6AWG, 4AWG, 2AWG, 1AWG, 0AWG, 2/0AWG, 3/0AWG, 4/0AWG
  13. AWG: American Wire Gauge
  14. Grounded conductor: A conductor that is intentionally referenced to ground but carries current. The color of the grounded conductor is white. In ac wiring the grounded conductor is also called neutral
  15. EGC: Equipment Grounding Conductor: A conductor that is not meant to carry current and

10 / 14 are not allowed in bathrooms

  1. AC disconnect: A switch that disconnects (turns ott) ac circuit conductors. A circuit breaker is a disconnect and also an over current protection device
  2. OCPD: Over current protection device Protects equipment and conductors from over currents. OCPDs will open the circuit if the current gets high enough. PV module source circuits in combiner boxes are usually protected by 15A or 20A fuses, which is the typical PV maximum series fuse rating, The two types of OCPDs are fuses or circuit breakers
  3. Circuit Breakers: An OCPD and a disconnect all in one
  4. Service Panel: Also called panelcenter or load center. Where circuit breakers are connected to the electrical system. The main service panel is the main one in the building. Other sub panels are connected to the main panel via feeders. breakers are connected on busbars
  5. Busbar: A piece of metal where ditterent circuits are connected in parallel Usually where breakers or wires are connected
  6. Battery: Stores energy by chemical reactions. Many stand-alone PV systems use lead acid batteries
  7. Flooded lead acid battery: A battery that has a liquid electrolyte (fluid) and uses chemical reactions between lead and acid to store energy
  8. Sealed valve regulated flooded lead acid battery: A battery that is often called maintenance free, since you cannot add fluids to the sealed battery. The calves are for releasing gasses, so the battery does not explode
  9. Lithium batteries: Often installed in an energy storage system, which includes elctronics and is not maintained in the field
  10. Charge controller: Controller that regulates charging of batteries, so they are not overcharged or under charged. Controllers can be for stand-alone systems or grid-tied battery backup systems. The highest voltage for a charge controller is for the equalization charge. Can only be done on batteries that are not sealed
  11. Flow battery: Battery similar to fuel cell where electrolytes are pumped between reactor and storage tanks
  12. Battery inverter: An inverter that gets voltage from a battery and produces current and power, as it is needed. A battery inverter is hooked up to a battery (often via charge controller) and not to the PV
  13. Battery inverter input circuit: The conductors between the battery and the battery inverter, sized according to power of the inverter and the lowest battery voltage

11 / 14

  1. DC coupled system: A typical ott-grid system where charge controllers are used to charge batteries
  2. AC coupled sustem: A system where interactive inverters (grid-tied) are used with battery inverters to charge batteries
  3. Grid-tied battery-backup system: A system that works with or without the utility. inverters that can operate in both modes are called bimodal or multi-modal inverters
  4. Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) Charge Controllers: Grid- tied inverters are MPPT and many charge controllers are MPPT. MPPT is only for devices that are connected to PV and will optimize production. MPPT controls the IV parameters and will cause the inverter or charge controllers to work on the point of maximum power on the IV curve. An ott-grid inverter connected to a battery does not have MPPT
  5. If an array is facing south at equinox at noon, what must the tilt angle be in order for the array to face directly at the sun at lattitude 30?: 30 degrees
  6. The temperature rating of the insulation of a conductor when designing a PV system effects the...: Ability of the wire to carry current
  7. When a bypass diode kicks in from a leaf on a solar cell, which parameter would you see reduced on a single string with string level MPPT: Voltage
  8. Which is the best and safest way to determine current in a PV output circuit: Clamp on ammeter
  9. What is blocking used for: Attaching to a roof in a place where there is no rafter
  10. Blocking Diode: Prevents reverse current
  11. If you are going to work on the roof to fix a ground fault and the dc disconnect is on the ground level, which of the following is the best safety procedure A: grounding the ungrounded conductor before going on the roof B: Removing the GFCI fuse before going on the roof C: Leaving the disconnect in the on position D: Lockout tagout: Lockout tagout

13 / 14 inexperienced person designs a PV system? a. Multiple orientations within a PV source circuit b. Multiple orientations for different PV source circuits c. Occasional shading on a module that is in a PV source circuit that has its own MPP d. Microinverters used on a commercial job: a. Multiple orientations within a PV source circuit

  1. Part of the process of turning silicon into a solar cell is called? a. Anodization b. Oxidation c. Doping d. Dumping: d. Doping
  2. How do residential rooftop mounting systems typically attach to a rooftop, so that they do not fly away when the wind blows?: Lag screws into rafters or purlins
  3. What is the shape of a typical monocrystalline solar wafer?: Square with rounded corners
  4. What is the largest array size of the following if you are using a 24V battery bank and a 20A charge controller? a. 500W b. 2kW c. 1000W d. 280W: a. 280W
  5. Which of the following is able to change dc power into ac power with a predetermined specific frequency and voltage? a. Inverter b. Power converting utility c. Step up transformer d. Step down transformer: a. Inverter
  6. What color wires can be used for equipment grounding (earthing is inter- national term) wires in the US?: Green, bare, or green with yellow stripe
  7. What does MPPT stand for: Maximum Power Point Tracking
  8. Which is the best solution of the following for multiple

14 / 14 orientations when designing a PV system?: Microinverter