CA C-46 Solar Contractor Exam Practice
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2027
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf.
1. Which activity most directly falls within the California C-46 Solar
Contractor classification?
A. Installation of underground municipal water mains
B. Installation of solar energy systems and related equipment that collect,
distribute, store, or use solar energy
C. Installation of conventional roofing systems unrelated to solar work
D. Installation of residential plumbing fixtures
Answer: B. Installation of solar energy systems and related equipment that
collect, distribute, store, or use solar energy
The C-46 classification is specifically associated with solar energy systems
and related equipment. The contractor must understand system
installation, components, safety, applicable codes, and commissioning
requirements.
, 2. Which solar technology converts sunlight directly into electricity?
A. Photovoltaic technology
B. Solar thermal technology
C. Geothermal technology
D. Hydroelectric technology
Answer: A. Photovoltaic technology
Photovoltaic systems use semiconductor devices to convert solar radiation
directly into direct-current electrical energy.
3. What is the primary purpose of a solar photovoltaic module?
A. Convert sunlight into electrical energy
B. Convert electricity into natural gas
C. Store all generated electricity permanently
D. Increase utility voltage without electronic equipment
Answer: A. Convert sunlight into electrical energy
A photovoltaic module consists of interconnected solar cells that convert
incident sunlight into DC electrical power. Multiple modules can be
combined into arrays to achieve the required voltage and power output.
4. When several photovoltaic modules are connected in series, what
happens to the array voltage under comparable operating conditions?
,A. Voltage generally increases while current remains approximately that of
the individual module
B. Current and voltage both become zero
C. Voltage decreases while current necessarily doubles
D. Only frequency increases
Answer: A. Voltage generally increases while current remains
approximately that of the individual module
Series-connected modules add their voltages, while the current is generally
limited by the module or string with the applicable operating
characteristics.
5. When identical photovoltaic modules are connected in parallel, what
is the principal electrical effect?
A. Current capacity increases while voltage remains approximately the same
B. Voltage doubles while current becomes zero
C. Frequency increases
D. DC power is converted automatically to AC
Answer: A. Current capacity increases while voltage remains
approximately the same
, Parallel-connected strings maintain approximately the same voltage while
their current capacities add, assuming compatible modules and operating
conditions.
6. What is the primary function of a photovoltaic inverter in a typical
grid-connected system?
A. Convert DC electricity from the PV array into AC electricity suitable for the
intended electrical system
B. Convert AC utility power into sunlight
C. Store all electricity as thermal energy
D. Increase roof loading capacity
Answer: A. Convert DC electricity from the PV array into AC electricity
suitable for the intended electrical system
PV modules produce DC electricity, while most building electrical systems
and utility grids operate on AC. The inverter performs the required power
conversion and provides important monitoring and protection functions.
7. Why must a grid-connected PV inverter be compatible with the
electrical service?
A. The inverter must operate within required voltage, frequency, phase,
protection, and interconnection parameters
B. Compatibility affects only the appearance of the equipment
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2027
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf.
1. Which activity most directly falls within the California C-46 Solar
Contractor classification?
A. Installation of underground municipal water mains
B. Installation of solar energy systems and related equipment that collect,
distribute, store, or use solar energy
C. Installation of conventional roofing systems unrelated to solar work
D. Installation of residential plumbing fixtures
Answer: B. Installation of solar energy systems and related equipment that
collect, distribute, store, or use solar energy
The C-46 classification is specifically associated with solar energy systems
and related equipment. The contractor must understand system
installation, components, safety, applicable codes, and commissioning
requirements.
, 2. Which solar technology converts sunlight directly into electricity?
A. Photovoltaic technology
B. Solar thermal technology
C. Geothermal technology
D. Hydroelectric technology
Answer: A. Photovoltaic technology
Photovoltaic systems use semiconductor devices to convert solar radiation
directly into direct-current electrical energy.
3. What is the primary purpose of a solar photovoltaic module?
A. Convert sunlight into electrical energy
B. Convert electricity into natural gas
C. Store all generated electricity permanently
D. Increase utility voltage without electronic equipment
Answer: A. Convert sunlight into electrical energy
A photovoltaic module consists of interconnected solar cells that convert
incident sunlight into DC electrical power. Multiple modules can be
combined into arrays to achieve the required voltage and power output.
4. When several photovoltaic modules are connected in series, what
happens to the array voltage under comparable operating conditions?
,A. Voltage generally increases while current remains approximately that of
the individual module
B. Current and voltage both become zero
C. Voltage decreases while current necessarily doubles
D. Only frequency increases
Answer: A. Voltage generally increases while current remains
approximately that of the individual module
Series-connected modules add their voltages, while the current is generally
limited by the module or string with the applicable operating
characteristics.
5. When identical photovoltaic modules are connected in parallel, what
is the principal electrical effect?
A. Current capacity increases while voltage remains approximately the same
B. Voltage doubles while current becomes zero
C. Frequency increases
D. DC power is converted automatically to AC
Answer: A. Current capacity increases while voltage remains
approximately the same
, Parallel-connected strings maintain approximately the same voltage while
their current capacities add, assuming compatible modules and operating
conditions.
6. What is the primary function of a photovoltaic inverter in a typical
grid-connected system?
A. Convert DC electricity from the PV array into AC electricity suitable for the
intended electrical system
B. Convert AC utility power into sunlight
C. Store all electricity as thermal energy
D. Increase roof loading capacity
Answer: A. Convert DC electricity from the PV array into AC electricity
suitable for the intended electrical system
PV modules produce DC electricity, while most building electrical systems
and utility grids operate on AC. The inverter performs the required power
conversion and provides important monitoring and protection functions.
7. Why must a grid-connected PV inverter be compatible with the
electrical service?
A. The inverter must operate within required voltage, frequency, phase,
protection, and interconnection parameters
B. Compatibility affects only the appearance of the equipment
