California Solar Contractor Exam Questions
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of a photovoltaic (PV) system?
A. Heat water
B. Generate electricity
C. Store electricity
D. Transmit energy
A PV system converts sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells.
2. Which component of a PV system converts DC to AC?
A. Charge controller
B. Battery bank
C. Inverter
D. Transformer
Inverters are used to convert the DC output from solar panels into AC for
household or grid use.
3. What is the typical voltage output of a single solar panel under standard
test conditions?
A. 1–2 V
, B. 18–24 V
C. 50–60 V
D. 100–120 V
Most residential solar panels produce between 18 to 24 volts under
standard test conditions.
4. Which factor does not affect solar panel efficiency?
A. Temperature
B. Color of roof tiles
C. Shading
D. Orientation
Roof color doesn’t directly affect panel efficiency, while the others do.
5. What is the main purpose of net metering?
A. Prevent battery overcharging
B. Allow customers to sell excess power back to the grid
C. Increase utility rates
D. Protect inverters
Net metering credits solar customers for the electricity they add to the
grid.
6. Which direction should panels ideally face in the Northern Hemisphere?
A. East
B. West
C. South
D. North
, South-facing panels receive the most sunlight in the Northern
Hemisphere.
7. What is the minimum slope required for a roof-mounted solar panel in
California for optimal performance?
A. 5°
B. 15°
C. 25°
D. 35°
Around 15°–30° is optimal, depending on latitude; 15° is often a minimum
used.
8. What type of current is produced by solar modules?
A. Alternating current
B. Three-phase current
C. Direct current
D. Pulsed current
Solar modules generate direct current (DC).
9. What does the NEC require for disconnects in PV systems?
A. Must be located indoors
B. Must be readily accessible
C. Hidden from public
D. Installed after inverter
NEC requires accessible disconnects for maintenance and emergency shut-
off.
And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus
Rationales 2025/2026 Q&A | Instant
Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of a photovoltaic (PV) system?
A. Heat water
B. Generate electricity
C. Store electricity
D. Transmit energy
A PV system converts sunlight directly into electricity using solar cells.
2. Which component of a PV system converts DC to AC?
A. Charge controller
B. Battery bank
C. Inverter
D. Transformer
Inverters are used to convert the DC output from solar panels into AC for
household or grid use.
3. What is the typical voltage output of a single solar panel under standard
test conditions?
A. 1–2 V
, B. 18–24 V
C. 50–60 V
D. 100–120 V
Most residential solar panels produce between 18 to 24 volts under
standard test conditions.
4. Which factor does not affect solar panel efficiency?
A. Temperature
B. Color of roof tiles
C. Shading
D. Orientation
Roof color doesn’t directly affect panel efficiency, while the others do.
5. What is the main purpose of net metering?
A. Prevent battery overcharging
B. Allow customers to sell excess power back to the grid
C. Increase utility rates
D. Protect inverters
Net metering credits solar customers for the electricity they add to the
grid.
6. Which direction should panels ideally face in the Northern Hemisphere?
A. East
B. West
C. South
D. North
, South-facing panels receive the most sunlight in the Northern
Hemisphere.
7. What is the minimum slope required for a roof-mounted solar panel in
California for optimal performance?
A. 5°
B. 15°
C. 25°
D. 35°
Around 15°–30° is optimal, depending on latitude; 15° is often a minimum
used.
8. What type of current is produced by solar modules?
A. Alternating current
B. Three-phase current
C. Direct current
D. Pulsed current
Solar modules generate direct current (DC).
9. What does the NEC require for disconnects in PV systems?
A. Must be located indoors
B. Must be readily accessible
C. Hidden from public
D. Installed after inverter
NEC requires accessible disconnects for maintenance and emergency shut-
off.
