Tennessee Electrical Contractor Exam –
Solar Photovoltaic Systems Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. In a grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which component is
primarily responsible for converting direct current (DC) electricity
generated by solar modules into alternating current (AC) suitable for
use in buildings and utility grids?
A. Charge controller
B. Combiner box
C. Battery inverter
D. Inverter
The inverter performs the essential function of converting DC power from
solar panels into AC power that matches grid voltage and frequency
requirements, making it usable in standard electrical systems.
2. Which type of solar inverter is typically installed at each individual
panel to optimize performance and reduce shading losses?
A. String inverter
B. Central inverter
, C. Microinverter
D. Hybrid inverter
Microinverters operate at the panel level, allowing each module to
function independently, thereby improving system performance when
shading or mismatch occurs.
3. What is the primary purpose of a combiner box in a PV system?
A. Convert DC to AC
B. Store electrical energy
C. Combine multiple string outputs into a single conductor
D. Regulate voltage
A combiner box aggregates outputs from multiple PV strings and routes
them into a single conductor, simplifying wiring and providing overcurrent
protection.
4. Which National Electrical Code (NEC) article primarily governs solar
photovoltaic systems?
A. Article 210
B. Article 250
C. Article 690
D. Article 430
NEC Article 690 specifically addresses the installation, wiring, grounding,
and protection of solar photovoltaic systems.
5. What is the main function of a solar charge controller in off-grid PV
systems?
A. Convert AC to DC
B. Regulate battery charging to prevent overcharging
C. Increase panel voltage
D. Monitor system output
, Charge controllers regulate voltage and current from panels to batteries,
preventing overcharging and extending battery life.
6. Which factor most significantly affects the output of a solar PV
module?
A. Wire insulation type
B. Grounding method
C. Solar irradiance (sunlight intensity)
D. Panel color
Solar irradiance directly impacts the amount of electricity generated, as PV
modules rely on sunlight to produce power.
7. What is the purpose of anti-islanding protection in grid-tied PV
systems?
A. Increase power output
B. Store excess energy
C. Prevent system from energizing grid during outages
D. Improve efficiency
Anti-islanding protection ensures that the PV system shuts down during
grid outages to protect utility workers and equipment.
8. Which type of battery is commonly used in modern solar energy
storage systems due to high efficiency and long cycle life?
A. Nickel-cadmium
B. Lead-acid
C. Lithium-ion
D. Alkaline
Lithium-ion batteries offer high energy density, longer lifespan, and better
efficiency compared to traditional battery types.
9. What does the term “maximum power point tracking” (MPPT) refer
to?
Solar Photovoltaic Systems Exam
Practice Questions And Correct Answers
(Verified Answers) Plus Rationale 2026
Q&A| Instant Download Pdf
1. In a grid-tied solar photovoltaic (PV) system, which component is
primarily responsible for converting direct current (DC) electricity
generated by solar modules into alternating current (AC) suitable for
use in buildings and utility grids?
A. Charge controller
B. Combiner box
C. Battery inverter
D. Inverter
The inverter performs the essential function of converting DC power from
solar panels into AC power that matches grid voltage and frequency
requirements, making it usable in standard electrical systems.
2. Which type of solar inverter is typically installed at each individual
panel to optimize performance and reduce shading losses?
A. String inverter
B. Central inverter
, C. Microinverter
D. Hybrid inverter
Microinverters operate at the panel level, allowing each module to
function independently, thereby improving system performance when
shading or mismatch occurs.
3. What is the primary purpose of a combiner box in a PV system?
A. Convert DC to AC
B. Store electrical energy
C. Combine multiple string outputs into a single conductor
D. Regulate voltage
A combiner box aggregates outputs from multiple PV strings and routes
them into a single conductor, simplifying wiring and providing overcurrent
protection.
4. Which National Electrical Code (NEC) article primarily governs solar
photovoltaic systems?
A. Article 210
B. Article 250
C. Article 690
D. Article 430
NEC Article 690 specifically addresses the installation, wiring, grounding,
and protection of solar photovoltaic systems.
5. What is the main function of a solar charge controller in off-grid PV
systems?
A. Convert AC to DC
B. Regulate battery charging to prevent overcharging
C. Increase panel voltage
D. Monitor system output
, Charge controllers regulate voltage and current from panels to batteries,
preventing overcharging and extending battery life.
6. Which factor most significantly affects the output of a solar PV
module?
A. Wire insulation type
B. Grounding method
C. Solar irradiance (sunlight intensity)
D. Panel color
Solar irradiance directly impacts the amount of electricity generated, as PV
modules rely on sunlight to produce power.
7. What is the purpose of anti-islanding protection in grid-tied PV
systems?
A. Increase power output
B. Store excess energy
C. Prevent system from energizing grid during outages
D. Improve efficiency
Anti-islanding protection ensures that the PV system shuts down during
grid outages to protect utility workers and equipment.
8. Which type of battery is commonly used in modern solar energy
storage systems due to high efficiency and long cycle life?
A. Nickel-cadmium
B. Lead-acid
C. Lithium-ion
D. Alkaline
Lithium-ion batteries offer high energy density, longer lifespan, and better
efficiency compared to traditional battery types.
9. What does the term “maximum power point tracking” (MPPT) refer
to?
