Solar PV Installer Certification Exam

Solar PV Installer Certification Exam (NABCEP PV Installation Professional) Practice Questions And Correct Answers (Verified Answers) Plus Rationales 2026 Q&A | Instant Download Pdf

• What is the primary purpose of a rapid shutdown system on a PV array?
• Increase energy production
• Reduce voltage to safe levels during emergencies
• Improve grounding continuity
• Prevent shading issues

Rationale: Rapid shutdown ensures firefighter safety by reducing energized

conductors quickly.

• Which factor most affects the current output of a PV module?
• Module voltage rating
• Solar irradiance 1 / 4

• Temperature coefficient
• Wire gauge

Rationale: Current is directly proportional to irradiance.

• A PV system using a 600 VDC array must use components rated for at

least:

A. 500 VDC

B. 600 VDC

C. 550 VDC

D. 700 VDC

Rationale: Components must meet or exceed the maximum system

voltage.

4. The main purpose of bonding is to:

• Improve array efficiency
• Reduce module degradation
• Create a low-impedance fault path
• Prevent inverter clipping

Rationale: Bonding ensures faults clear quickly by providing an effective

grounding path.

5. Temperature rise in PV modules generally:

• Increases voltage
• Decreases voltage
• Increases both current and voltage 2 / 4

• Does not change output

Rationale: Higher cell temperature lowers module Voc.

• Which device converts DC from modules to usable AC power?
• Charge controller
• Inverter
• Transformer
• Combiner

Rationale: Inverters perform DC-to-AC conversion.

• What determines the number of modules in a series string?
• Tilt angle
• Maximum inverter input voltage
• Grounding method
• Conductor insulation type

Rationale: Series voltage cannot exceed inverter voltage limits.

8. The NEC requires overcurrent protection on PV source circuits when:

• Using microinverters
• Parallel strings can backfeed each other
• Arrays exceed 1 kW
• AC modules are installed

Rationale: Parallel strings create potential backfeed currents.

• A module’s STC power rating is measured at: 3 / 4

• 500 W/m²
• 1500 W/m²
• 1000 W/m²
• 2000 W/m²

Rationale: STC irradiance is defined as 1000 W/m².

• Which conductor is typically grounded in a PV system?
• Ungrounded conductor
• Equipment grounding conductor
• Grounded current-carrying conductor
• Neutral and ground together

Rationale: The grounded conductor is intentionally bonded to ground.

11. A major advantage of microinverters is:

• Lower installation cost
• Module-level MPPT
• Lower AC voltage
• No need for grounding

Rationale: Microinverters optimize each module individually.

12. String sizing must account for the module’s:

• Pmax only
• Voc and temperature coefficient
• ISC only
• Weight rating
• / 4