NABCEP PV Technical Sales
Certification Practice Exam 100
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A Instant Download Pdf
1. The primary purpose of a solar resource assessment is to:
A. Determine utility rate structures
B. Estimate the amount of sunlight available at a site
C. Size the battery bank
D. Determine wire size
Solar resource assessment quantifies irradiance to estimate energy
production potential at a specific location.
2. Solar azimuth refers to:
A. Panel tilt angle
B. Compass direction of the sun relative to north
C. Height of the sun above horizon
D. Angle from vertical
Azimuth is a horizontal angle that describes sun direction relative to north.
3. A south-facing PV array in the Northern Hemisphere maximizes energy
production by:
A. Reducing shading
B. Receiving highest annual solar irradiance
C. Increasing ground reflectance
D. Minimizing temperature effects
,South orientation captures the most sunlight overall in the Northern
Hemisphere.
4. Which is the best tool for shading analysis?
A. Multimeter
B. Thermal camera
C. Solar pathfinder
D. Clamp meter
A solar pathfinder shows shading patterns throughout the year.
5. For residential PV incentive calculations, net metering means:
A. Selling all power at wholesale rates
B. Receiving credit for excess generation at retail rates
C. Purchasing power from multiple utilities
D. Recording only exports to grid
Net metering credits excess generation at retail value.
6. What is the standard test condition (STC) irradiance?
A. 500 W/m²
B. 700 W/m²
C. 1000 W/m²
D. 1200 W/m²
STC uses 1000 W/m² for module rating consistency.
7. A PV module's Pmax rating refers to:
A. Maximum open-circuit voltage
B. Maximum power output at STC
C. Maximum short-circuit current
D. Maximum warranty years
Pmax is rated maximum power under STC.
8. A typical PV module power tolerance of +/- indicates:
A. Operating warranty
B. Permissible deviation from rated output
, C. Temperature coefficient
D. Azimuth deviation
Tolerance shows potential variation in actual power.
9. Which factor most decreases PV output?
A. Increased solar irradiance
B. High temperature
C. South orientation
D. No shading
High temperature reduces voltage and module output.
10. The temperature coefficient primarily affects:
A. Current output
B. Voltage output
C. Module size
D. Mounting type
Temperature coefficient shows voltage drop per °C.
11. PV module warranty typically covers:
A. Installation labor
B. Theft
C. Power output degradation
D. Damage from remote lightning
Warranty guarantees power above a threshold over time.
12. Standard PV modules are tested at what cell temperature?
A. 25°F
B. 0°C
C. 25°C
D. 50°C
STC uses a cell temperature of 25°C.
13. Which customer motivation is most commonly associated with residential
PV adoption?
Certification Practice Exam 100
Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationales
2026 Q&A Instant Download Pdf
1. The primary purpose of a solar resource assessment is to:
A. Determine utility rate structures
B. Estimate the amount of sunlight available at a site
C. Size the battery bank
D. Determine wire size
Solar resource assessment quantifies irradiance to estimate energy
production potential at a specific location.
2. Solar azimuth refers to:
A. Panel tilt angle
B. Compass direction of the sun relative to north
C. Height of the sun above horizon
D. Angle from vertical
Azimuth is a horizontal angle that describes sun direction relative to north.
3. A south-facing PV array in the Northern Hemisphere maximizes energy
production by:
A. Reducing shading
B. Receiving highest annual solar irradiance
C. Increasing ground reflectance
D. Minimizing temperature effects
,South orientation captures the most sunlight overall in the Northern
Hemisphere.
4. Which is the best tool for shading analysis?
A. Multimeter
B. Thermal camera
C. Solar pathfinder
D. Clamp meter
A solar pathfinder shows shading patterns throughout the year.
5. For residential PV incentive calculations, net metering means:
A. Selling all power at wholesale rates
B. Receiving credit for excess generation at retail rates
C. Purchasing power from multiple utilities
D. Recording only exports to grid
Net metering credits excess generation at retail value.
6. What is the standard test condition (STC) irradiance?
A. 500 W/m²
B. 700 W/m²
C. 1000 W/m²
D. 1200 W/m²
STC uses 1000 W/m² for module rating consistency.
7. A PV module's Pmax rating refers to:
A. Maximum open-circuit voltage
B. Maximum power output at STC
C. Maximum short-circuit current
D. Maximum warranty years
Pmax is rated maximum power under STC.
8. A typical PV module power tolerance of +/- indicates:
A. Operating warranty
B. Permissible deviation from rated output
, C. Temperature coefficient
D. Azimuth deviation
Tolerance shows potential variation in actual power.
9. Which factor most decreases PV output?
A. Increased solar irradiance
B. High temperature
C. South orientation
D. No shading
High temperature reduces voltage and module output.
10. The temperature coefficient primarily affects:
A. Current output
B. Voltage output
C. Module size
D. Mounting type
Temperature coefficient shows voltage drop per °C.
11. PV module warranty typically covers:
A. Installation labor
B. Theft
C. Power output degradation
D. Damage from remote lightning
Warranty guarantees power above a threshold over time.
12. Standard PV modules are tested at what cell temperature?
A. 25°F
B. 0°C
C. 25°C
D. 50°C
STC uses a cell temperature of 25°C.
13. Which customer motivation is most commonly associated with residential
PV adoption?
