NABCEP Photovoltaic Associate (PVA)
Exam With Actual Questions & Verified
Answers, Plus Explained
Rationales/Expert Verified For
Guaranteed Pass 2026/Latest
Updated/Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of a photovoltaic (PV) cell?
A. Store electricity
B. Convert sunlight into electrical energy
C. Regulate voltage
D. Convert AC to DC
B. Convert sunlight into electrical energy
Photovoltaic cells generate electricity by converting sunlight directly
into DC electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
2. Which type of current do PV modules produce?
A. Alternating current (AC)
B. Direct current (DC)
C. Three-phase current
D. Pulsed current
B. Direct current (DC)
PV modules produce direct current, which can then be converted to AC
using an inverter for grid use.
, 3. What is the main purpose of a PV inverter?
A. Store electricity
B. Convert DC to AC
C. Increase sunlight absorption
D. Reduce system voltage
B. Convert DC to AC
Inverters convert the DC electricity produced by PV modules into AC
electricity compatible with the grid or AC loads.
4. Which of the following is a common type of PV module?
A. Monocrystalline
B. Polycrystalline
C. Thin-film
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
PV modules can be made using monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or
thin-film technologies, each with different efficiencies and costs.
5. What is the typical voltage range of a single PV cell?
A. 0.5–0.6 V
B. 12 V
C. 24 V
D. 120 V
A. 0.5–0.6 V
A single silicon PV cell typically produces about 0.5 to 0.6 volts under
standard test conditions.
6. Which factor most affects PV system output?
A. Wire color
B. Sunlight intensity
, C. Panel frame material
D. Roof type
B. Sunlight intensity
The amount of sunlight striking PV modules is the primary factor
determining electrical output.
7. What does “STC” stand for in PV system specifications?
A. Standard Temperature Conditions
B. Standard Test Conditions
C. Solar Thermal Capacity
D. System Technical Code
B. Standard Test Conditions
STC defines the standardized test conditions for rating PV module
performance, including irradiance of 1000 W/m², cell temperature of
25°C, and AM 1.5 spectrum.
8. Which component stores energy for later use in a PV system?
A. Combiner box
B. Charge controller
C. Battery
D. Inverter
C. Battery
Batteries store electrical energy generated by PV modules for use
when sunlight is insufficient.
9. What is the purpose of a charge controller in a PV system?
A. Increase solar radiation
B. Prevent battery overcharge
C. Convert DC to AC
D. Measure current only
, B. Prevent battery overcharge
Charge controllers regulate the voltage and current going into
batteries to prevent overcharging and extend battery life.
10. Which type of PV array connection increases voltage while
keeping current the same?
A. Series
B. Parallel
C. Combination
D. None
A. Series
Connecting PV modules in series increases system voltage while the
current remains equal to a single module.
11. What is the main purpose of a grounding system in PV
installations?
A. Increase voltage output
B. Provide a path for fault current
C. Store electrical energy
D. Monitor solar irradiance
B. Provide a path for fault current
Grounding provides a safe path for electricity in the event of a fault,
protecting people and equipment.
12. Which tool is commonly used to measure the open-circuit
voltage of a PV module?
A. Clamp meter
B. Multimeter
C. Insulation tester
D. Torque wrench
Exam With Actual Questions & Verified
Answers, Plus Explained
Rationales/Expert Verified For
Guaranteed Pass 2026/Latest
Updated/Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of a photovoltaic (PV) cell?
A. Store electricity
B. Convert sunlight into electrical energy
C. Regulate voltage
D. Convert AC to DC
B. Convert sunlight into electrical energy
Photovoltaic cells generate electricity by converting sunlight directly
into DC electricity through the photovoltaic effect.
2. Which type of current do PV modules produce?
A. Alternating current (AC)
B. Direct current (DC)
C. Three-phase current
D. Pulsed current
B. Direct current (DC)
PV modules produce direct current, which can then be converted to AC
using an inverter for grid use.
, 3. What is the main purpose of a PV inverter?
A. Store electricity
B. Convert DC to AC
C. Increase sunlight absorption
D. Reduce system voltage
B. Convert DC to AC
Inverters convert the DC electricity produced by PV modules into AC
electricity compatible with the grid or AC loads.
4. Which of the following is a common type of PV module?
A. Monocrystalline
B. Polycrystalline
C. Thin-film
D. All of the above
D. All of the above
PV modules can be made using monocrystalline, polycrystalline, or
thin-film technologies, each with different efficiencies and costs.
5. What is the typical voltage range of a single PV cell?
A. 0.5–0.6 V
B. 12 V
C. 24 V
D. 120 V
A. 0.5–0.6 V
A single silicon PV cell typically produces about 0.5 to 0.6 volts under
standard test conditions.
6. Which factor most affects PV system output?
A. Wire color
B. Sunlight intensity
, C. Panel frame material
D. Roof type
B. Sunlight intensity
The amount of sunlight striking PV modules is the primary factor
determining electrical output.
7. What does “STC” stand for in PV system specifications?
A. Standard Temperature Conditions
B. Standard Test Conditions
C. Solar Thermal Capacity
D. System Technical Code
B. Standard Test Conditions
STC defines the standardized test conditions for rating PV module
performance, including irradiance of 1000 W/m², cell temperature of
25°C, and AM 1.5 spectrum.
8. Which component stores energy for later use in a PV system?
A. Combiner box
B. Charge controller
C. Battery
D. Inverter
C. Battery
Batteries store electrical energy generated by PV modules for use
when sunlight is insufficient.
9. What is the purpose of a charge controller in a PV system?
A. Increase solar radiation
B. Prevent battery overcharge
C. Convert DC to AC
D. Measure current only
, B. Prevent battery overcharge
Charge controllers regulate the voltage and current going into
batteries to prevent overcharging and extend battery life.
10. Which type of PV array connection increases voltage while
keeping current the same?
A. Series
B. Parallel
C. Combination
D. None
A. Series
Connecting PV modules in series increases system voltage while the
current remains equal to a single module.
11. What is the main purpose of a grounding system in PV
installations?
A. Increase voltage output
B. Provide a path for fault current
C. Store electrical energy
D. Monitor solar irradiance
B. Provide a path for fault current
Grounding provides a safe path for electricity in the event of a fault,
protecting people and equipment.
12. Which tool is commonly used to measure the open-circuit
voltage of a PV module?
A. Clamp meter
B. Multimeter
C. Insulation tester
D. Torque wrench
