CA C46 Solar Contractor Exam

CA C46 Solar Contractor Exam Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationale2026 Q&A| Instant Download Pdf

• Which of the following is the primary function of a solar photovoltaic

(PV) system?

• Store electrical energy
• Convert sunlight into electricity
• Heat water
• Increase battery life

Rationale: The main purpose of a PV system is to convert solar

energy into electrical energy.

• What type of current do solar panels produce directly?
• Alternating current (AC)
• Direct current (DC)
• Both AC and DC
• None

Rationale: Solar panels generate direct current (DC), which must be

converted to AC for standard electrical use.

• Which component is necessary to convert DC to AC in a solar system?
• Charge controller
• Battery
• Inverter
• Transformer

Rationale: Inverters are used to convert the DC output from solar

panels to AC for household or grid use.

• What is the main role of a solar charge controller?
• Increase voltage 1 / 3

• Regulate battery charging
• Convert DC to AC
• Track sunlight

Rationale: A solar charge controller prevents battery overcharging

and controls the charging current.

• Which solar energy system primarily uses mirrors to focus sunlight

onto a receiver?

• Photovoltaic panels
• Concentrated solar power (CSP)
• Solar water heater
• Solar tracker

Rationale: CSP systems use mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight

for thermal energy production.

• Which factor most affects the efficiency of a solar panel?
• Cable type
• Sunlight intensity and angle
• Panel color
• Battery type

Rationale: Solar panel output depends on the amount and angle of

sunlight striking the panel.

• What is the typical lifespan of modern solar panels?
• 5–10 years
• 10–15 years
• 25–30 years
• 50 years

Rationale: Most modern solar panels are designed to last 25–30 years

with minimal efficiency loss.

• Which type of solar panel is most efficient for limited roof space?
• Thin-film
• Monocrystalline
• Polycrystalline
• Amorphous

Rationale: Monocrystalline panels have higher efficiency per square

meter, making them ideal for small areas.

• Which standard is primarily used for solar electrical installations in

California?

A. ISO 9001 2 / 3

• NEC (National Electrical Code) Article 690

C. UL 1449

D. IEEE 802

Rationale: NEC Article 690 sets the safety and installation standards

for solar PV systems.

• Which condition can cause a solar panel to overheat and reduce

efficiency?

• Excessive shading
• High ambient temperature with poor ventilation
• Moderate sunlight
• Clean panels

Rationale: Poor heat dissipation can reduce panel efficiency even

under high sunlight.

• What is the purpose of a solar battery in a PV system?
• Convert DC to AC
• Increase solar panel efficiency
• Store energy for later use
• Track sun position

Rationale: Solar batteries store excess energy generated during the

day for use when sunlight is not available.

• Which solar system component prevents reverse current at night?
• Inverter
• Blocking diode
• Battery
• Charge controller

Rationale: Blocking diodes prevent current from flowing backward

from the battery to the solar panel at night.

• What is the most common solar panel material?
• Gallium arsenide
• Silicon
• Copper
• Aluminum

Rationale: Silicon is widely used in solar panels due to its abundance

and efficiency.

• Which solar system configuration uses batteries for storage?
• Grid-tied without storage
• Off-grid
• / 3