NABCEP PV System Inspector
Certification 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 purpose of a PV system inspection?
A) Install new PV modules
B) Ensure system compliance with codes and standards
C) Maximize panel output immediately
D) Provide warranty service
B) Ensure system compliance with codes and standards
Rationale: Inspections are performed to verify that the system meets
safety, quality, and code requirements, not for installation or
immediate performance enhancement.
2. Which code is primarily referenced for PV system electrical safety
in the U.S.?
A) IEC 61215
B) NEC
C) IEEE 1547
D) UL 1703
,B) NEC
Rationale: The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the primary standard
for electrical safety and installation practices in the U.S.
3. During a PV inspection, you notice improper wire bending radius.
What is the primary concern?
A) Reduced panel efficiency
B) Conductor damage and electrical hazards
C) Module delamination
D) Increased inverter efficiency
B) Conductor damage and electrical hazards
Rationale: Sharp bends can damage insulation or conductors, creating
fire hazards or electrical faults.
4. What is the standard interval for PV module grounding checks?
A) Once a year
B) At installation and periodic inspection
C) Only after storms
D) Never required
B) At installation and periodic inspection
Rationale: Grounding must be verified during installation and
periodically to ensure system safety.
5. Which of the following is a common sign of module degradation?
A) Discoloration or delamination
B) Increased current output
C) Reduced shading
D) Tighter wiring connections
A) Discoloration or delamination
Rationale: Visual signs like discoloration, cracking, or delamination
indicate potential performance loss or safety issues.
, 6. When inspecting a PV system, what is a primary concern for
combiner boxes?
A) Proper ventilation
B) Correct wire sizing and secure connections
C) Aesthetic appearance
D) Brand labeling
B) Correct wire sizing and secure connections
Rationale: Combiner boxes must have properly sized conductors and
secure connections to prevent overheating and fire hazards.
7. Which device protects a PV system from overcurrent?
A) Surge protector
B) Fuse or circuit breaker
C) Disconnect switch
D) DC optimizer
B) Fuse or circuit breaker
Rationale: Overcurrent protection devices prevent conductor
overheating and potential fires by interrupting excessive current.
8. What is the primary purpose of a rapid shutdown device?
A) Increase energy output
B) Reduce arc flash risk during emergencies
C) Lower inverter efficiency
D) Reduce shading
B) Reduce arc flash risk during emergencies
Rationale: Rapid shutdown devices de-energize PV conductors for
firefighter safety and maintenance access.
9. Which of the following indicates a potential fire hazard in a PV
array?
A) Properly torqued connections
, B) Exposed or frayed conductors
C) Modules aligned to the sun
D) Module manufacturer label present
B) Exposed or frayed conductors
Rationale: Damaged wiring increases the risk of electrical shorts and
fire.
10. What is the main purpose of a PV system performance test
during inspection?
A) Verify code compliance
B) Identify electrical faults or underperformance
C) Test warranty coverage
D) Measure module temperature
B) Identify electrical faults or underperformance
Rationale: Performance tests help detect issues that may impact
energy production or safety.
11. Which instrument is commonly used to measure insulation
resistance in a PV system?
A) Multimeter
B) Megohmmeter (Insulation tester)
C) Clamp meter
D) Oscilloscope
B) Megohmmeter (Insulation tester)
Rationale: Megohmmeters check the integrity of insulation, which
helps prevent leakage currents and shock hazards.
12. During an inspection, you notice a PV module is shaded by
nearby vegetation. What is the primary concern?
A) Potential energy loss
B) Module overheating
Certification 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 purpose of a PV system inspection?
A) Install new PV modules
B) Ensure system compliance with codes and standards
C) Maximize panel output immediately
D) Provide warranty service
B) Ensure system compliance with codes and standards
Rationale: Inspections are performed to verify that the system meets
safety, quality, and code requirements, not for installation or
immediate performance enhancement.
2. Which code is primarily referenced for PV system electrical safety
in the U.S.?
A) IEC 61215
B) NEC
C) IEEE 1547
D) UL 1703
,B) NEC
Rationale: The National Electrical Code (NEC) is the primary standard
for electrical safety and installation practices in the U.S.
3. During a PV inspection, you notice improper wire bending radius.
What is the primary concern?
A) Reduced panel efficiency
B) Conductor damage and electrical hazards
C) Module delamination
D) Increased inverter efficiency
B) Conductor damage and electrical hazards
Rationale: Sharp bends can damage insulation or conductors, creating
fire hazards or electrical faults.
4. What is the standard interval for PV module grounding checks?
A) Once a year
B) At installation and periodic inspection
C) Only after storms
D) Never required
B) At installation and periodic inspection
Rationale: Grounding must be verified during installation and
periodically to ensure system safety.
5. Which of the following is a common sign of module degradation?
A) Discoloration or delamination
B) Increased current output
C) Reduced shading
D) Tighter wiring connections
A) Discoloration or delamination
Rationale: Visual signs like discoloration, cracking, or delamination
indicate potential performance loss or safety issues.
, 6. When inspecting a PV system, what is a primary concern for
combiner boxes?
A) Proper ventilation
B) Correct wire sizing and secure connections
C) Aesthetic appearance
D) Brand labeling
B) Correct wire sizing and secure connections
Rationale: Combiner boxes must have properly sized conductors and
secure connections to prevent overheating and fire hazards.
7. Which device protects a PV system from overcurrent?
A) Surge protector
B) Fuse or circuit breaker
C) Disconnect switch
D) DC optimizer
B) Fuse or circuit breaker
Rationale: Overcurrent protection devices prevent conductor
overheating and potential fires by interrupting excessive current.
8. What is the primary purpose of a rapid shutdown device?
A) Increase energy output
B) Reduce arc flash risk during emergencies
C) Lower inverter efficiency
D) Reduce shading
B) Reduce arc flash risk during emergencies
Rationale: Rapid shutdown devices de-energize PV conductors for
firefighter safety and maintenance access.
9. Which of the following indicates a potential fire hazard in a PV
array?
A) Properly torqued connections
, B) Exposed or frayed conductors
C) Modules aligned to the sun
D) Module manufacturer label present
B) Exposed or frayed conductors
Rationale: Damaged wiring increases the risk of electrical shorts and
fire.
10. What is the main purpose of a PV system performance test
during inspection?
A) Verify code compliance
B) Identify electrical faults or underperformance
C) Test warranty coverage
D) Measure module temperature
B) Identify electrical faults or underperformance
Rationale: Performance tests help detect issues that may impact
energy production or safety.
11. Which instrument is commonly used to measure insulation
resistance in a PV system?
A) Multimeter
B) Megohmmeter (Insulation tester)
C) Clamp meter
D) Oscilloscope
B) Megohmmeter (Insulation tester)
Rationale: Megohmmeters check the integrity of insulation, which
helps prevent leakage currents and shock hazards.
12. During an inspection, you notice a PV module is shaded by
nearby vegetation. What is the primary concern?
A) Potential energy loss
B) Module overheating
