VA ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SYSTEM CONTRACTING
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following best defines an "alternative energy system" under
Virginia regulations?
A. Systems using only coal-based power
B. Systems that use fossil fuels and nuclear energy
C. Systems using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or geothermal
D. Systems that use municipal water power
Rationale: Virginia defines “alternative energy systems” as those deriving power
from renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal rather than fossil fuels.
2. What license classification covers the installation of solar photovoltaic
systems in Virginia?
A. Class C Residential Building
B. Electrical Journeyman License
C. Alternative Energy Systems Contracting (AES)
D. Master Mechanical License
Rationale: The AES license allows contractors to install, repair, and maintain solar,
wind, and other renewable systems in VA.
3. Which of the following agencies regulates contractor licensing in Virginia?
A. Virginia Department of Energy
B. Virginia State Corporation Commission
C. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
D. U.S. Department of Energy
,Rationale: DPOR and the Board for Contractors oversee all contractor licensing in
the state.
4. To qualify for a Virginia AES license, which exam must be passed?
A. Only a trade exam
B. Only a business law exam
C. Both the trade exam and the Virginia business law exam
D. Environmental certification exam
Rationale: Contractors must pass both the technical (trade) exam and the Virginia
business law exam.
5. A photovoltaic system converts which form of energy into electricity?
A. Kinetic energy
B. Thermal energy
C. Solar radiation
D. Magnetic field energy
Rationale: PV panels directly convert sunlight into electrical energy via the
photovoltaic effect.
6. Which safety standard applies to electrical components of solar installations?
A. NFPA 30
B. OSHA 1910.23
C. NEC (National Electrical Code) Article 690
D. UL 486
Rationale: NEC Article 690 governs the installation of photovoltaic systems and
associated components.
7. The tilt angle of solar panels should ideally equal:
, A. The site’s longitude
B. The site’s latitude
C. The panel manufacturer’s recommendation only
D. 90 degrees
Rationale: For optimal annual energy production, panels are tilted approximately
equal to the site’s latitude.
8. The “net metering” program in Virginia allows:
A. Charging customers for unused power
B. Selling power to non-utility buyers
C. Offsetting utility consumption with self-generated electricity
D. Tax exemption for all energy use
Rationale: Net metering credits excess generation against the consumer’s
electricity consumption.
9. In Virginia, an AES contractor is responsible for:
A. HVAC duct installation
B. Plumbing systems
C. Installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems
D. Fire protection systems
Rationale: The AES classification focuses on alternative and renewable energy
system work.
10. What type of inverter converts DC from solar panels to grid-compatible AC?
A. Step-down transformer
B. Rectifier
C. Grid-tied inverter
D. Regulator
PRACTICE EXAM QUESTIONS AND CORRECT ANSWERS
(VERIFIED ANSWERS) PLUS RATIONALES 2026 Q&A |
INSTANT DOWNLOAD PDF
1. Which of the following best defines an "alternative energy system" under
Virginia regulations?
A. Systems using only coal-based power
B. Systems that use fossil fuels and nuclear energy
C. Systems using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, or geothermal
D. Systems that use municipal water power
Rationale: Virginia defines “alternative energy systems” as those deriving power
from renewable sources like solar, wind, and geothermal rather than fossil fuels.
2. What license classification covers the installation of solar photovoltaic
systems in Virginia?
A. Class C Residential Building
B. Electrical Journeyman License
C. Alternative Energy Systems Contracting (AES)
D. Master Mechanical License
Rationale: The AES license allows contractors to install, repair, and maintain solar,
wind, and other renewable systems in VA.
3. Which of the following agencies regulates contractor licensing in Virginia?
A. Virginia Department of Energy
B. Virginia State Corporation Commission
C. Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
D. U.S. Department of Energy
,Rationale: DPOR and the Board for Contractors oversee all contractor licensing in
the state.
4. To qualify for a Virginia AES license, which exam must be passed?
A. Only a trade exam
B. Only a business law exam
C. Both the trade exam and the Virginia business law exam
D. Environmental certification exam
Rationale: Contractors must pass both the technical (trade) exam and the Virginia
business law exam.
5. A photovoltaic system converts which form of energy into electricity?
A. Kinetic energy
B. Thermal energy
C. Solar radiation
D. Magnetic field energy
Rationale: PV panels directly convert sunlight into electrical energy via the
photovoltaic effect.
6. Which safety standard applies to electrical components of solar installations?
A. NFPA 30
B. OSHA 1910.23
C. NEC (National Electrical Code) Article 690
D. UL 486
Rationale: NEC Article 690 governs the installation of photovoltaic systems and
associated components.
7. The tilt angle of solar panels should ideally equal:
, A. The site’s longitude
B. The site’s latitude
C. The panel manufacturer’s recommendation only
D. 90 degrees
Rationale: For optimal annual energy production, panels are tilted approximately
equal to the site’s latitude.
8. The “net metering” program in Virginia allows:
A. Charging customers for unused power
B. Selling power to non-utility buyers
C. Offsetting utility consumption with self-generated electricity
D. Tax exemption for all energy use
Rationale: Net metering credits excess generation against the consumer’s
electricity consumption.
9. In Virginia, an AES contractor is responsible for:
A. HVAC duct installation
B. Plumbing systems
C. Installation and maintenance of renewable energy systems
D. Fire protection systems
Rationale: The AES classification focuses on alternative and renewable energy
system work.
10. What type of inverter converts DC from solar panels to grid-compatible AC?
A. Step-down transformer
B. Rectifier
C. Grid-tied inverter
D. Regulator
