CO Solar Electric Contractor Exam
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A|
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1. What is the primary function of a photovoltaic (PV) module in a
solar-electric system?
A. Convert AC electricity into DC electricity
B. Store electrical energy for nighttime use
C. Convert sunlight into direct-current electricity
D. Increase the utility voltage
Answer: C. Convert sunlight into direct-current electricity
Rationale: A photovoltaic module uses semiconductor cells to convert
solar radiation directly into DC electrical energy. The module itself
does not normally store energy or produce AC power; an inverter is
used when AC output is required.
, 2. Which component converts the DC output of a PV array into AC
electricity for use by typical building loads?
A. Combiner box
B. Inverter
C. Disconnect switch
D. Charge controller
Answer: B. Inverter
Rationale: A grid-tied inverter converts the DC electricity produced by
the PV array into AC electricity compatible with the building's
electrical system and, when permitted, the utility grid. A combiner
combines circuits, while a disconnect provides isolation.
3. In a grid-connected PV system, what is the primary purpose of
anti-islanding protection?
A. To increase PV module efficiency
B. To prevent the inverter from energizing a utility circuit during a grid
outage
C. To protect modules from hail
D. To regulate battery temperature
Answer: B. To prevent the inverter from energizing a utility circuit
during a grid outage
,Rationale: Anti-islanding protection causes a grid-tied inverter to stop
supplying power when the utility grid is unavailable. This helps
protect utility workers and prevents an unintended energized island
from being maintained.
4. When PV modules are connected in series, which electrical
characteristic increases while the current generally remains the
same?
A. Voltage
B. Frequency
C. Resistance of every conductor
D. Ground-fault current only
Answer: A. Voltage
Rationale: Series-connected PV modules add their voltages together
while the current through the series string remains approximately the
same as the current of an individual module under the same
conditions. This allows installers to achieve the required DC operating
voltage.
5. When identical PV modules are connected in parallel, what
generally increases?
, A. System frequency
B. Array current capacity
C. Module voltage
D. AC frequency
Answer: B. Array current capacity
Rationale: Parallel-connected PV circuits maintain approximately the
same voltage while their available current adds together. Proper
conductor sizing and overcurrent protection must account for the
resulting array current.
6. What is the purpose of a PV source circuit?
A. To connect individual PV modules or module groups to the next
point in the PV system
B. To supply natural gas to an inverter
C. To provide only AC power to receptacles
D. To replace the utility service
Answer: A. To connect individual PV modules or module groups to the
next point in the PV system
Rationale: A PV source circuit carries current from one or more PV
modules connected in series to the next equipment or combining
Questions and Correct Answers (Verified
Answers) Plus Rationale 2027 Q&A|
Instant Download Pdf
1. What is the primary function of a photovoltaic (PV) module in a
solar-electric system?
A. Convert AC electricity into DC electricity
B. Store electrical energy for nighttime use
C. Convert sunlight into direct-current electricity
D. Increase the utility voltage
Answer: C. Convert sunlight into direct-current electricity
Rationale: A photovoltaic module uses semiconductor cells to convert
solar radiation directly into DC electrical energy. The module itself
does not normally store energy or produce AC power; an inverter is
used when AC output is required.
, 2. Which component converts the DC output of a PV array into AC
electricity for use by typical building loads?
A. Combiner box
B. Inverter
C. Disconnect switch
D. Charge controller
Answer: B. Inverter
Rationale: A grid-tied inverter converts the DC electricity produced by
the PV array into AC electricity compatible with the building's
electrical system and, when permitted, the utility grid. A combiner
combines circuits, while a disconnect provides isolation.
3. In a grid-connected PV system, what is the primary purpose of
anti-islanding protection?
A. To increase PV module efficiency
B. To prevent the inverter from energizing a utility circuit during a grid
outage
C. To protect modules from hail
D. To regulate battery temperature
Answer: B. To prevent the inverter from energizing a utility circuit
during a grid outage
,Rationale: Anti-islanding protection causes a grid-tied inverter to stop
supplying power when the utility grid is unavailable. This helps
protect utility workers and prevents an unintended energized island
from being maintained.
4. When PV modules are connected in series, which electrical
characteristic increases while the current generally remains the
same?
A. Voltage
B. Frequency
C. Resistance of every conductor
D. Ground-fault current only
Answer: A. Voltage
Rationale: Series-connected PV modules add their voltages together
while the current through the series string remains approximately the
same as the current of an individual module under the same
conditions. This allows installers to achieve the required DC operating
voltage.
5. When identical PV modules are connected in parallel, what
generally increases?
, A. System frequency
B. Array current capacity
C. Module voltage
D. AC frequency
Answer: B. Array current capacity
Rationale: Parallel-connected PV circuits maintain approximately the
same voltage while their available current adds together. Proper
conductor sizing and overcurrent protection must account for the
resulting array current.
6. What is the purpose of a PV source circuit?
A. To connect individual PV modules or module groups to the next
point in the PV system
B. To supply natural gas to an inverter
C. To provide only AC power to receptacles
D. To replace the utility service
Answer: A. To connect individual PV modules or module groups to the
next point in the PV system
Rationale: A PV source circuit carries current from one or more PV
modules connected in series to the next equipment or combining
