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Quizzes > Science

Solar Energy Quiz: Certification Practice and PV Basics

Quick, free solar panel quiz to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Stanislav KasUpdated Aug 24, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art illustrating a quiz on Solar Energy Certification

This quiz helps you practice solar energy fundamentals, including PV design, safety, and system performance, so you can spot gaps before certification or on-site work. After you finish, expand your skills with our power purchase agreement quiz, try a wind energy quiz to compare technologies, or review the basics with an energy resources practice quiz.

Which is the primary component that converts sunlight into electricity in a photovoltaic system?
Inverter
Junction box
PV module
Mounting structure
The PV module contains semiconductor cells that convert sunlight directly into DC electricity. Other components like the inverter or junction box play supporting roles but do not perform the conversion.
What unit is typically used to rate the power output of a solar panel?
Volts
Watts
Amperes
Lux
Solar panels are rated in watts (W) to denote their maximum power output under standard test conditions. Volts and amperes are part of power calculation but not the standard rating unit.
What is the main function of an inverter in a solar PV system?
Filter dust
Store energy
Convert DC to AC
Increase voltage
An inverter converts the direct current (DC) produced by PV panels into alternating current (AC) suitable for grid or household use. It does not store energy or perform filtering functions.
Which component is used to secure PV modules to the roof surface?
Solar tracker
Combiner box
Mounting structure
Charge controller
The mounting structure (or racking system) secures PV modules to the roof and provides the correct orientation and tilt. A combiner box is for wiring, and trackers are for tracking the sun.
What does PV stand for in solar PV systems?
Photovoltaic
Power-volt
Photo-varied
Photo-viscous
PV stands for photovoltaic, referring to the conversion of light (photo) into electricity (voltaic) by semiconductor materials. Other terms are incorrect and not used in solar technology.
Which factor has the greatest impact on solar panel efficiency?
Inverter type
Panel color
Module thickness
Angle of incidence
The angle of incidence determines how directly sunlight strikes the panel surface, which strongly affects energy capture. Factors like color or thickness are far less influential on efficiency.
How does temperature generally affect solar panel performance?
No effect on performance
Efficiency increases as temperature rises
Only impacts panel longevity
Efficiency decreases as temperature rises
Higher temperatures reduce the voltage output of photovoltaic cells, lowering overall power and efficiency. While long-term heat can affect lifespan, the immediate effect is reduced performance.
What is the purpose of a combiner box in a PV array?
Store energy in batteries
Convert DC to AC
House the AC wiring to the grid
Combine multiple DC strings into one output
A combiner box gathers the DC output from multiple PV strings into a single feed for the inverter. It does not store energy or perform AC conversion.
For a fixed-tilt PV array in mid-latitudes, the optimum tilt angle is approximately equal to what?
The panel width angle
The azimuth angle
90 degrees
The site latitude
A common rule of thumb is to set panel tilt equal to the site latitude to maximize annual energy yield. Azimuth refers to compass direction, not tilt angle.
Which routine maintenance practice can improve the long-term performance of PV panels?
Painting the panel frame
Adjusting inclination weekly
Regular cleaning of panel surfaces
Replacing cells monthly
Dust and dirt accumulation can significantly reduce solar irradiance on panels, so regular cleaning helps maintain performance. Painting or frequent major adjustments are unnecessary.
Which organization publishes the IEC 61215 standard for PV module performance testing?
International Electrotechnical Commission
Food and Drug Administration
International Energy Agency
National Fire Protection Association
The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) issues IEC 61215, which defines design qualification and type approval tests for crystalline silicon PV modules. Other agencies regulate different industries.
Under net metering policies, what happens with excess solar energy produced by a home system?
It is exported to the grid for credit
It must be flared off
It is lost as heat in the panels
It is stored in batteries automatically
Net metering allows surplus electricity to flow back to the utility grid, earning credit for the system owner. It does not automatically charge batteries or get wasted as heat.
Which parameter describes the ratio of electrical power output to incident solar power on a PV module?
Open-circuit voltage
Module efficiency
Fill factor
Short-circuit current
Module efficiency is defined as the percentage of incident solar energy converted into electrical power. Fill factor and voltage/current are internal electrical parameters.
What does the Performance Ratio (PR) of a PV system compare?
Module weight vs area
Actual energy output vs theoretical energy under ideal conditions
DC power vs AC power
Temperature coefficient vs irradiance
The Performance Ratio measures how closely a PV system's actual yield approaches its theoretical yield under standard conditions, accounting for losses. It is not a direct comparison of DC and AC power.
Which of the following tests is included in the IEC 61215 certification for crystalline silicon PV modules?
Thermal cycling
Soil resistance
Drop impact
Fuel combustion
IEC 61215 includes thermal cycling tests to assess module durability under temperature variations. Fuel combustion and soil resistance are unrelated tests.
Calculate the approximate monthly energy yield in kWh for a 5 kW PV system receiving 4 peak sun hours per day over 30 days with a performance ratio of 0.75.
375 kWh
600 kWh
450 kWh
900 kWh
Monthly yield = 5 kW Ã- 4 h/day Ã- 30 days Ã- 0.75 PR = 450 kWh. The other values do not match this calculation.
A PV module has an Isc of 9 A at standard test conditions. If extreme heat increases Isc by 10%, what is the expected short-circuit current for string sizing?
10.9 A
9.9 A
9.1 A
8.1 A
An increase of 10% on 9 A yields 9 Ã- 1.10 = 9.9 A. The other values reflect incorrect percentage or base values.
According to NEC correction factors, if a module Voc at STC is 40 V and the coldest design temperature is -10°C (25°C at STC) with a Voc temperature coefficient of -0.3%/°C, what is the maximum Voc to use for conductor sizing?
38.8 V
Approximately 44.2 V
46.5 V
42.0 V
Temperature difference is 35°C, so correction factor = 1 + (0.003 Ã- 35) = 1.105. Therefore, 40 V Ã- 1.105 ≈ 44.2 V for safe sizing.
Which article of the National Electrical Code specifically covers photovoltaic system installation requirements?
Article 705
Article 690
Article 310
Article 800
NEC Article 690 provides installation and safety requirements specifically for photovoltaic systems. The other articles cover different electrical subjects.
Which directive in the European Union governs the end-of-life management and recycling of PV modules?
WEEE Directive
RoHS Directive
CE Marking Directive
REACH Regulation
The WEEE Directive addresses waste electrical and electronic equipment, including PV modules, mandating their collection and recycling. RoHS and REACH regulate hazardous substances.
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Learning Outcomes

  1. Identify key components of photovoltaic systems.
  2. Analyze factors influencing solar panel efficiency.
  3. Apply best practices for solar system installation.
  4. Evaluate certification requirements and industry standards.
  5. Demonstrate understanding of solar energy regulations.
  6. Master energy yield calculations for PV arrays.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Understand Key Components of PV Systems - Dive into the heart of solar power by exploring panels, inverters, racks, and batteries. Each piece works together to turn sunlight into usable electricity! Learn more
  2. Recognize Factors Affecting Solar Panel Efficiency - Discover how temperature swings, pesky shading, dust buildup, and panel angle create a delicate dance that impacts output. Tweak any of these, and you could see noticeable power dips! Learn more
  3. Master Best Practices for Solar System Installation - Set your panels up for success with ideal tilt, orientation, and sturdy mounts. A south-facing tilt at your latitude often yields the most juice in the Northern Hemisphere! Learn more
  4. Stay Informed on Certification Requirements and Industry Standards - Level up your solar creds by tracking certifications like NABCEP and key standards. Official badges prove you know your stuff and boost trust with customers! Learn more
  5. Comprehend Solar Energy Regulations - Regulations shape everything from where you can install panels to how you connect to the grid. Familiarizing yourself with local, state, and federal rules keeps projects smooth and legal! Learn more
  6. Calculate Energy Yield for PV Arrays - Crunch numbers on irradiance, efficiency, and system losses to predict your power production. Accurate estimates mean smarter designs that hit energy goals reliably. Learn more
  7. Understand the Impact of Soiling on Performance - Dirt, dust, and bird droppings can silently shave off up to 30% of your panels' output. Regular cleaning and smart tilt choices keep your system shining bright! Learn more
  8. Learn About Different Solar Panel Types - From sleek monocrystalline to cost-friendly polycrystalline and flexible thin-film, each panel type brings unique perks. Match your choice to budget, space, and performance needs! Learn more
  9. Explore Advanced Technologies Enhancing Efficiency - Keep an eye on game-changers like bifacial modules and PERC cells that capture more light and reduce losses. Innovation is propelling solar into the future! Learn more
  10. Understand the Role of Inverters in PV Systems - Inverters are the magic boxes that turn DC power into AC for your home or grid. Choosing high-efficiency, reliable inverters ensures you squeeze every watt from your panels! Learn more
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