Download Nevada Photovoltaics Contractor C-2G Exam Questions and Answers and more Exams Technology in PDF only on Docsity!
Question 1. Which Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) specifically governs the licensing of photovoltaic (PV) contractors under the C‑2G classification? A) NRS 617. B) NRS 618. C) NRS 617. D) NRS 617. Answer: C Explanation: NRS 617.270 outlines the requirements for specialty contractor licenses, including the C‑2G PV installer classification. Question 2. Under Nevada Administrative Code (NAC) 617.270, how often must a C‑2G contractor renew its license? A) Every 6 months B) Annually C) Every 2 years D) Every 3 years Answer: B Explanation: NAC requires annual renewal for all specialty contractor licenses to ensure current compliance with bonding, insurance, and continuing education. Question 3. A Qualifying Person (QP) for a C‑2G contractor must possess which of the following minimum qualifications? A) 4‑year degree in electrical engineering and 2 years of PV experience B) 2‑year apprenticeship and 5 years of general construction experience C) 2‑year college coursework in solar technology and 1 year of PV installation experience D) No specific education; only a background check is required Answer: C Explanation: Nevada law mandates that a QP have at least two years of relevant solar experience and coursework covering PV system design and installation. Question 4. Which contract provision is mandatory for all PV installation contracts in Nevada?
A) A clause limiting liability to the contract price B) A provision stating the contractor will obtain all required permits C) An arbitration clause D) A clause allowing the contractor to subcontract without notice Answer: B Explanation: Nevada statutes require contractors to include a provision confirming they will secure all necessary building and electrical permits. Question 5. Advertising a PV installation service without a valid C‑2G license in Nevada is classified as: A) A civil infraction only B) A misdemeanor C) A felony D) No violation if the advertisement includes a disclaimer Answer: B Explanation: Unlicensed contracting is a misdemeanor under NRS 617.240, and advertising such services without a license subjects the contractor to criminal penalties. Question 6. In Clark County, Nevada, which department issues the electrical permit for a residential PV system? A) Clark County Planning Department B) Clark County Building Department – Electrical Division C) Nevada State Fire Marshal’s Office D) Clark County Health Department Answer: B Explanation: The Building Department’s Electrical Division processes electrical permits for PV installations in Clark County. Question 7. The Nevada Sales and Use Tax applies to which of the following PV system components? A) Labor only B) Solar panels, inverters, and mounting hardware
Answer: C Explanation: Nevada law requires both CGL and WC, and when work exceeds 6 ft, a fall‑protection endorsement is required for CGL. Question 11. Under Nevada wage‑hour law, overtime for a PV installer working more than 40 hours in a week must be paid at: A) 1.25 × regular rate B) 1.5 × regular rate C) 2 × regular rate D) No overtime required for seasonal work Answer: B Explanation: Nevada follows the federal standard of “time‑and‑a‑half” for hours worked over 40 in a workweek. Question 12. Which OSHA (NVOshA) subpart specifically addresses fall protection for PV installers on rooftops? A) Subpart K – Electrical B) Subpart M – Fall Protection C) Subpart E – Personal Protective Equipment E) Subpart L – Scaffolding Answer: B Explanation: Subpart M contains the requirements for fall protection, including guardrails, harnesses, and safety nets for rooftop work. Question 13. The NEC defines “maximum circuit voltage” for a PV source circuit as the higher of: A) 1.25 × Voc at 25 °C or Voc at the lowest expected temperature B) Voc at 25 °C or 1.25 × Voc at the lowest expected temperature C) 1.25 × Voc at the lowest expected temperature or 150 % of Voc at 25 °C D) Voc at the lowest expected temperature or 150 % of Voc at 25 °C Answer: B
Explanation: NEC 690.7 requires the maximum circuit voltage to be the greater of Voc at 25 °C or 1.25 × Voc at the lowest temperature the array will experience. Question 14. When designing a string of modules for a Nevada installation, the designer must consider the worst‑case ambient temperature of: A) 104 °F (40 °C) B) 122 °F (50 °C) C) 140 °F (60 °C) D) 158 °F (70 °C) Answer: B Explanation: NEC 690.7 uses 122 °F (50 °C) as the standard worst‑case temperature for PV module voltage calculations. Question 15. For a 5 kW residential PV system, the inverter’s maximum continuous output current on the AC side is limited to: A) 30 A B) 40 A C) 50 A D) 60 A Answer: B Explanation: A 5 kW inverter at 240 V yields 20.8 A; NEC 690.8 requires the OCPD to be sized at 125 % of continuous current, resulting in a 30 A OCPD, but the inverter itself is limited to 40 A for safety margins. Question 16. Which NEC article governs the grounding of PV arrays? A) 250.130(C) – Grounding Electrode System B) 690.41 – Grounding of PV Systems C) 300.5 – Underground Installation D) 210.4 – Multi‑Wire Branch Circuits Answer: B Explanation: NEC 690.41 specifically addresses grounding requirements for PV systems, including equipment grounding conductors and functional grounding.
B) At a dedicated feeder breaker within the service equipment C) Directly to the utility meter socket D) Inside the inverter housing only Answer: B Explanation: NEC 705.12 requires a supply‑side connection to be made through a dedicated breaker in the service equipment, not at the meter. Question 21. Which of the following is the correct minimum conductor size for a 30 A PV source circuit using THHN copper conductors? A) 12 AWG B) 10 AWG C) 8 AWG D) 6 AWG Answer: B Explanation: NEC Table 310.15(B)(16) shows that 10 AWG copper THHN is rated for 30 A at 75 °C, meeting the 125 % rule for a 24 A continuous load. Question 22. The NEC requires a minimum working space of how many feet in front of a PV disconnect? A) 2 ft B) 3 ft C) 4 ft D) 5 ft Answer: B Explanation: NEC 110.26 requires at least a 3‑ft clear working space in front of all disconnecting means. Question 23. Which labeling is required on the AC disconnect for a PV system? A) “DC Voltage – 1500 V max” B) “Inverter Output – 240 V AC, 30 A max” C) “Do not operate without a qualified electrician” D) “Battery Storage – 48 V DC”
Answer: B Explanation: NEC 690.31 mandates labeling of the AC disconnect with the maximum voltage and current of the inverter output. Question 24. According to the International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted in Nevada, the minimum setback distance for a rooftop PV array from the roof edge is: A) 12 inches B) 24 inches C) 36 inches D) 48 inches Answer: C Explanation: IFC 2021 Section 708.7.5 requires a minimum 36‑inch setback from roof edges for ventilation and fire‑access purposes. Question 25. During commissioning, the installer must verify that the measured open‑circuit voltage (Voc) of the array is within what tolerance of the name‑plate Voc? A) ±1 % B) ±3 % C) ±5 % D) ±10 % Answer: B Explanation: NEC 690.9(A) allows a ±3 % tolerance when verifying Voc during commissioning. Question 26. Which of the following is the correct method to calculate the expected energy production of a PV system for a load‑analysis study? A) Multiply system kW rating by 8760 hours/year B) Multiply system kW rating by the site’s average sun‑hours per day and 365 days C) Use the inverter’s efficiency rating only D) Apply the PV system’s STC rating without derating factors Answer: B
Question 30. Which of the following is not a permissible method for grounding a PV array in Nevada? A) Using a grounding electrode conductor (GEC) to a ground rod B) Bonding the frame to the equipment grounding conductor (EGC) only C) Installing a separate grounding conductor for the array’s metal frame D) Using a ground‑fault protection device that disconnects the array on fault detection Answer: B Explanation: Bonding the frame only to the EGC does not satisfy the grounding electrode requirements; a dedicated GEC to a grounding electrode is required. Question 31. The NEC permits the use of “PV Wire” (THHN‑rated for 600 V) for which portion of a PV installation? A) Only for the inverter input conductors B) Only for the AC output conductors C) For both DC source and AC output conductors, provided temperature ratings are observed D) PV Wire is prohibited in all NEC‑listed installations Answer: C Explanation: NEC 690.64 allows the use of PV‑rated conductors for both DC and AC portions if the conductors meet the applicable temperature and voltage ratings. Question 32. Which NEC article addresses the requirements for battery energy storage systems (BESS) that are part of a PV installation? A) 690 – Solar Photovoltaic Systems B) 705 – Interconnected Power Production Sources C) 706 – Energy Storage Systems D) 708 – Stand‑Alone Systems Answer: C Explanation: NEC 706 specifically covers the installation, grounding, and over‑current protection of battery storage systems.
Question 33. For a PV system with a maximum system voltage of 1500 V DC, the required labeling on the array boundary must include: A) “Maximum DC Voltage – 1500 V” B) “Maximum AC Voltage – 240 V” C) “Inverter Output – 500 V AC” D) “Battery Bank – 48 V DC” Answer: A Explanation: NEC 690.31 requires labeling the array boundary with the maximum DC system voltage. Question 34. Which of the following is a required safety feature for a PV system installed on a roof with a slope greater than 15°? A) A fire‑rated cable tray B) A permanent ladder with a fall‑arrest system C) A permanent guardrail around the perimeter of the array D) A non‑conductive roof anchor for personal fall arrest Answer: D Explanation: NEC 110.28 requires roof anchor points for personal fall arrest when working on steep roofs. Question 35. Under Nevada’s labor classification rules, a PV installer who works exclusively on a single project for a contractor but uses their own tools and supplies is considered: A) An employee B) An independent contractor C) A statutory employee D) A joint‑venture partner Answer: B Explanation: Nevada law looks at behavioral control, financial control, and relationship type; using own tools and supplies leans toward independent contractor status. Question 36. The NEC requires a minimum conduit fill of no more than what percentage for more than two conductors in a raceway? A) 20 %
C) 50 A
D) 60 A
Answer: B Explanation: 10 kW at 240 V = 41.7 A; applying the 125 % rule yields 52 A, so the next standard breaker size is 60 A, but NEC 690.8 allows a 50 A breaker if the inverter is listed for that rating; however, the correct answer per typical exam expectations is 50 A. (Correct answer: C) Question 40. Which of the following is not a permitted method for mounting PV modules on a pitched roof in Nevada? A) Penetrating the roof deck with flashing and sealant B) Ballasted mounting system without roof penetrations C) Adhesive‑bonded mounting using structural silicone D) Hanging the modules from a suspended cable system that does not touch the roof surface Answer: D Explanation: Suspended cable systems that do not attach to the roof are not approved for pitched roofs; they are only permitted for ground‑mount or flat‑roof applications with proper anchorage. Question 41. The Nevada State Fire Marshal requires a minimum clearance between a PV array and any rooftop HVAC equipment of: A) 12 inches B) 24 inches C) 36 inches D) 48 inches Answer: C Explanation: The fire code mandates a 36‑inch clearance to reduce fire‑spread risk and allow access for maintenance. Question 42. Which NEC article defines the requirements for “interconnection” of PV systems to utility‑owned distribution circuits? A) 690. B) 705. C) 210.
D) 250.130(C)
Answer: B Explanation: NEC 705.12 addresses the interconnection of power production sources, including PV inverters, to utility distribution circuits. Question 43. When performing a shading analysis, the “shading factor” is defined as: A) The percentage of the year the array receives full sun B) The ratio of the reduced energy output due to shading to the unshaded output C) The angle of the sun at solar noon D) The tilt angle of the array relative to horizontal Answer: B Explanation: The shading factor quantifies the impact of shading on energy production by comparing shaded versus unshaded output. Question 44. In Nevada, a PV contractor must maintain a minimum bond of: A) $5, B) $10, C) $25, D) $50, Answer: C Explanation: Nevada Statutes require a $25,000 surety bond for specialty contractors, including C‑2G. Question 45. Which of the following best describes the “functional grounding” concept in PV systems? A) Connecting the PV array to earth to limit voltage during a fault B) Using the grounding electrode to carry normal return current C) Grounding the inverter’s internal circuitry only D) No grounding is required for ungrounded PV systems Answer: A Explanation: Functional grounding provides a low‑impedance path to limit voltage on the array during a fault, as required by NEC 690.41.
A) The breaker is listed for both AC and DC applications and the voltage does not exceed the rating B) The AC voltage is less than 120 V C) The system is a stand‑alone battery system only D) The breaker is installed downstream of the inverter only Answer: A Explanation: Dual‑rated breakers must be listed for both AC and DC use and must not exceed the rated voltage for either application. Question 50. Under Nevada law, a contractor who fails to provide a copy of the warranty to the homeowner within 30 days of system completion may be subject to: A) A civil penalty of up to $1,000 per violation B) License suspension for 6 months C) Criminal misdemeanor charges D) No penalty if the warranty is posted online Answer: A Explanation: NRS 617.240 imposes a civil penalty for failure to provide required warranty documentation. Question 51. The NEC defines “continuous load” as a load that: A) Operates for more than 3 hours continuously B) Operates for more than 8 hours continuously C) Operates for more than 12 hours continuously D) Operates only during daylight hours Answer: B Explanation: NEC 210.20(A) defines a continuous load as one that runs for 3 hours or more; however, for sizing OCPDs, the 125 % rule applies to loads expected to operate for 8 hours or more, making B the exam‑preferred answer. Question 52. Which of the following is not a permitted method for providing a DC disconnect for a PV source circuit? A) A dedicated DC circuit breaker inside the inverter enclosure B) A fusible disconnect located within 5 ft of the array
C) A mechanical disconnect switch located at the inverter input D) A GFCI receptacle on the DC side Answer: D Explanation: GFCI devices are not approved as DC disconnects for PV source circuits. Question 53. When installing a PV system on a metal‑roofed building, the mounting system must be: A) Electrically isolated from the roof surface B) Directly bolted to the metal without any isolation C) Mounted using only adhesive pads D) Installed with a wooden sub‑frame only Answer: A Explanation: NEC 690.15 requires that the mounting system be electrically isolated from conductive roof surfaces to prevent stray currents. Question 54. The “Maximum Power Point Tracking” (MPPT) function in an inverter is used to: A) Reduce the inverter’s efficiency at low light levels B) Adjust the operating voltage of the array to achieve maximum power output C) Control the AC output frequency only D) Disconnect the array during high wind events Answer: B Explanation: MPPT continuously adjusts the voltage/current operating point of the PV array to maximize power extraction. Question 55. Which NEC provision requires that PV system conductors be protected against physical damage in exposed outdoor locations? A) 300.4 – Protection Against Physical Damage B) 310.15 – Ampacity Adjustment C) 690.64 – Wiring Methods D) 250.122 – Grounding Electrode Conductor Sizing Answer: A
Question 59. According to NEC 690.31, the label on a PV system’s AC disconnect must also include: A) The inverter’s serial number B) The maximum short‑circuit current (Isc) of the array C) The date of the last inspection D) The name of the installer Answer: B Explanation: NEC 690.31 requires the label to state the maximum short‑circuit current of the PV source circuit. Question 60. When a PV system includes a “smart inverter” with grid‑support functions, which NEC article addresses the required anti‑islanding protection? A) 690.9 – Ground‑Fault Protection B) 705.12 – Interconnection Requirements C) 690.11 – Inverter Disconnecting Means D) 210.8 – GFCI Protection Answer: B Explanation: NEC 705.12 outlines anti‑islanding and other utility‑interconnection requirements for smart inverters. Question 61. The required minimum size of a grounding electrode conductor (GEC) for a PV system with a maximum fault current of 200 A is: A) 8 AWG copper B) 6 AWG copper C) 4 AWG copper D) 2 AWG copper Answer: C Explanation: NEC Table 250.66 indicates that for fault currents up to 200 A, a 4 AWG copper GEC is required.
Question 62. Which of the following is not a required step in the commissioning checklist for a residential PV system? A) Verify inverter firmware version matches manufacturer recommendation B) Measure module temperature at noon on a clear day C) Record open‑circuit voltage and compare to name‑plate values D) Perform a functional test of the rapid‑shutdown device Answer: B Explanation: While module temperature may be recorded for performance monitoring, it is not a mandatory commissioning step under NEC. Question 63. Under Nevada’s Workers’ Compensation law, a PV installer who falls from a roof while installing modules is covered under: A) Employer’s liability insurance only B) A separate “high‑risk” policy required for solar work C) The state’s Workers’ Compensation program, provided the employer is properly insured D) No coverage; falls are considered “acts of God” Answer: C Explanation: Nevada’s Workers’ Compensation law covers all employees of a properly insured employer, regardless of the specific work activity. Question 64. The NEC permits the use of “photovoltaic (PV) wire” in conduit for DC circuits. What is the minimum temperature rating for this wire when installed in a roof‑mounted raceway in Nevada? A) 60 °C B) 75 °C C) 90 °C D) 105 °C Answer: B Explanation: NEC 690.64 requires PV wire to have a minimum 75 °C rating for conduit installations. Question 65. Which of the following is the correct method for calculating the voltage drop for a 150‑ft run of 10 AWG copper conductor feeding a PV array with a current of 15 A?
