California CSLB C-46 Solar Examination

A solar contractor is designing a fixed-tilt rooftop PV array in Sacramento, California (latitude 38.5°N) for optimal annual energy yield. What array tilt angle should be selected?

• ATilt angle equal to the site latitude of 38.5 degrees facing due south
• BTilt angle equal to site latitude plus 25 degrees facing due west
• CTilt angle equal to site latitude minus 30 degrees facing due east only
• DHorizontal flat orientation of 0.0 degrees facing true north

According to California Title 24 Energy Code standards, what is the minimum Solar Access Fraction (SAF) required for a residential roof zone to be considered solar ready?

• AA minimum unshaded Solar Access Fraction of 50 percent
• BA minimum unshaded Solar Access Fraction of 70 percent
• CA minimum unshaded Solar Access Fraction of 85 percent
• DA minimum unshaded Solar Access Fraction of 98 percent

A contractor estimates the structural dead load for a flush-mounted PV racking system with modules. What is the typical added dead load range per square foot?

• A0.2 to 0.5 pounds per square foot of roof surface
• B1.0 to 1.5 pounds per square foot of roof surface
• C2.5 to 4.0 pounds per square foot of roof surface
• D8.0 to 12.0 pounds per square foot of roof surface

A PV system design specifies a 10.0 kW DC module array connected to a 7.6 kW AC grid-tied inverter. What is the DC-to-AC ratio of this system design?

• A0.76 DC-to-AC ratio
• B1.00 DC-to-AC ratio
• C1.15 DC-to-AC ratio
• D1.32 DC-to-AC ratio

Per CEC Article 690.8, what is the minimum circuit ampacity rating required for a PV source circuit with a rated module short-circuit current (Isc) of 10.0 Amps?

• A15.63 Amps minimum circuit ampacity
• B12.50 Amps minimum circuit ampacity
• C10.00 Amps minimum circuit ampacity
• D20.00 Amps minimum circuit ampacity

A PV string consists of modules with a open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 40.0 V at STC (25°C) and a temp coefficient of -0.30%/°C. What is the maximum Voc per module at -5°C?

• A40.00 Volts maximum open-circuit voltage
• B43.60 Volts maximum open-circuit voltage
• C47.20 Volts maximum open-circuit voltage
• D36.40 Volts maximum open-circuit voltage

Under California's Net Billing Tariff (NEM 3.0), how does the valuation of exported solar energy affect customer system design optimization?

• AIncreases export compensation to match retail electricity rates
• BEliminates the financial benefit of installing paired battery storage
• CIncentivizes battery storage to maximize self-consumption of solar energy
• DRequires all residential systems to disconnect completely from the grid only

A residential main panelboard has a 200A rated busbar and a 200A main circuit breaker. Per CEC 705.12(B)(2), what is the maximum backfeed PV circuit breaker rating permitted?

• A10 Amps maximum PV backfeed breaker rating
• B20 Amps maximum PV backfeed breaker rating
• C30 Amps maximum PV backfeed breaker rating
• D40 Amps maximum PV backfeed breaker rating

A solar thermal contractor is sizing a active solar domestic hot water system for a family of four. What total collector area is typically estimated per person?

• A10 to 15 square feet of collector area per person
• B30 to 45 square feet of collector area per person
• C50 to 75 square feet of collector area per person
• D80 to 100 square feet of collector area per person

When designing structural roof attachments for a flush-mount PV array on residential 24-inch on-center rafters, what is the maximum typical attachment spacing?

• AEvery rafter at 24 inches on center maximum
• BEvery other rafter at 48 inches on center maximum
• CEvery third rafter at 72 inches on center maximum
• DEvery fourth rafter at 96 inches on center maximum

Prior to installing a grid-tied PV system in California, what document must be submitted to and approved by the local electric utility?

• ABuilding permit final sign-off inspection certificate document
• BCSLB contractor active license status verification
• CInterconnection agreement application and system schematic
• DCal/OSHA workplace safety injury prevention program

Under California Energy Code (Title 24) requirements for new single-family residential construction, what PV system sizing standard is mandated?

• APV system sized to offset 10 percent of annual building electricity only
• BPV system sized to offset 25 percent of annual building electricity
• CPV system sized to offset 50 percent of annual building electricity
• DPV system sized to offset 100 percent of annual building electricity

An estimator calculates annual output for a 6.0 kW-DC PV system in Fresno, CA (average 5.5 peak sun hours/day, 80% system derate). What is estimated annual production?

• A9,636 kilowatt-hours per year estimated output
• B6,400 kilowatt-hours per year estimated output
• C12,800 kilowatt-hours per year estimated output
• D15,200 kilowatt-hours per year estimated output

When a licensed C-46 contractor pulls a solar permit from a local California building department, which document set is required for plan submission?

• AManufacturer marketing brochure and warranty document
• BSite plan, electrical single-line diagram, and structural plans
• CContractor financial bank statements and general ledger records only
• DUtility monthly billing statements for past five years

What is the correct installation procedure for roof penetration flashing on a composition shingle roof during solar racking attachment?

• APlace flashing on top of shingles and seal edges with roof cement
• BNail flashing over the top course of shingles without sealant
• CSlide top edge of flashing under the upper shingle course above mount
• DCut away all surrounding shingles and attach flashing to bare plywood

According to CEC 690.43 and UL 2703 standards, how must aluminum PV module frames be grounded to the racking structure?

• ABy wrapping bare copper wire tightly around module frame corners
• BBy applying conductive anti-seize paste between frame and rails
• CBy relying on standard anodized aluminum contact without hardware only
• DBy using UL 2703 listed bonding clips or mid-clamps with pin teeth

Per California Residential Code (CRC R324.6) fire safety rules, what minimum ridge setback pathway is required on roof slopes greater than 2:12?

• A36 inches minimum clear pathway along the ridge
• B18 inches minimum clear pathway along the ridge
• C48 inches minimum clear pathway along the ridge
• D60 inches minimum clear pathway along the ridge

When installing a ballasted PV array on a commercial flat roof with a single-ply membrane, what protective layer must be placed under ballast blocks?

• AHigh-density polyurethane expanding foam insulation pads only
• BCompatible rubber or polymeric slip-sheet membrane buffer
• CGalvanized sheet steel protection plates under ballasts
• DPoured asphalt emulsion liquid waterproofing coating

What is the preferred installation method for mounting PV array stanchions on a curved concrete tile roof?

• ADrilling directly through top crown of concrete tile without flashing
• BGluing racking posts to tile surfaces using construction adhesive
• CRemoving tile and installing metal flashing deck mount or tile hook
• DNotching tile edges heavily and filling gaps with silicone caulk

When securing PV module clamps to racking rails, why must installers strictly follow manufacturer torque specifications?

• ATo ensure module frames can slide freely during thermal movement
• BTo allow quick manual removal of modules without using tools
• CTo prevent electrical grounding connections from making metal contact
• DTo prevent frame distortion, glass breakage, or clamp loosening

What minimum piping slope is required for solar thermal collector arrays to allow complete gravity drainage in drainback systems?

• A1/4 inch slope per foot of horizontal pipe run minimum
• B1/16 inch slope per foot of horizontal pipe run minimum
• C1/2 inch slope per foot of horizontal pipe run minimum
• D1.0 inch slope per foot of horizontal pipe run minimum

How are PV racking attachments secured to a standing-seam metal roof without penetrating the roof surface?

• AThrough-bolting with neoprene sealing washers into purlins
• BNon-penetrating metal clamps clamped onto standing seams
• CHigh-strength structural epoxy bonding to flat metal pans
• DSelf-tapping sheet metal screws driven directly into seams

A contractor is installing a ground-mounted PV array foundation. Which structural foundation type is commonly driven into soil without concrete?

• AShallow spread footings placed directly on topsoil
• BPre-cast concrete patio paver ballast pads
• CDriven steel H-piles or ground screw anchors
• DUnreinforced brick masonry foundation walls

Per CEC 334.30 and 338.30 wire management rules, what is the maximum interval for securing USE-2 or PV Wire beneath array modules?

• AEvery 10.0 feet maximum support spacing interval
• BEvery 8.0 feet maximum support spacing interval
• CEvery 6.0 feet maximum support spacing interval
• DEvery 4.5 feet maximum support spacing interval

What type of pipe insulation is required on outdoor solar thermal collector piping exposed to high temperatures and UV radiation?

• AHigh-temperature EPDM rubber insulation with UV jacket
• BStandard polyethylene foam pipe insulation sleeves
• CUncovered fiberglass building insulation wrap rolls
• DCellulosic spray foam insulation without protective sheath

How is equipment grounding established for module-level power electronics (MLPE) like DC optimizers attached to racking rails?

• ABy running an isolated green wire from MLPE frame to earth
• BBy using listed metal star washers or MLPE bonding plates
• CBy relying on plastic housing contact against rail surfaces
• DBy soldering copper ground braid to optimizer circuit board

Prior to driving lag screws for racking mounts, how should an installer confirm rafter location beneath roof decking?

• ABy drilling 1/2-inch pilot holes at random across roof tiles
• BBy estimating rafter positions from exterior fascia board ends
• CBy measuring rafter spacing inside attic and small pilot bit
• DBy relying on aerial satellite photos of the roof structure

Where must the collector temperature sensor be installed in a solar thermal differential control system?

• AAttached to cold water inlet piping at bottom of storage tank
• BMounted on exterior racking rail exposed to ambient air
• CInserted inside indoor expansion tank air space chamber
• DImmersed in sensor well at highest outlet of solar collector

Per CEC 690.12(C), where must the rapid shutdown initiation device be located for a residential PV system?

• AAt a readily accessible outdoor location near service meter
• BInside locked attic space accessible only by contractor
• CMounted on roof racking behind upper-center PV module frame
• DEnclosed inside utility main transformer pad vault box

What critical connection requirement applies to outdoor DC PV string connectors (MC4 type) per CEC 690.33?

• AConnectors may be joined from different non-intermateable brands
• BConnectors must be of same manufacturer brand and locking type
• CConnectors must be wrapped tightly with PVC electrical tape
• DConnectors must be left unlatched for thermal ventilation

Why is a reverse-return piping layout specified for multiple solar thermal collectors connected in parallel?

• ATo double system operating fluid pressure across collectors
• BTo reduce required pipe insulation thickness on return lines
• CTo ensure equal fluid path lengths and balanced flow rates
• DTo allow single-pipe gravity drainage without vent valves

Per CEC 690.12 rapid shutdown rules, what are the voltage limits for controlled conductors outside the array boundary within 30 seconds of initiation?

• ANot greater than 80 Volts outside boundary
• BNot greater than 60 Volts outside boundary
• CNot greater than 48 Volts outside boundary
• DNot greater than 30 Volts outside boundary

Per CEC 690.41(B), what system protection is required for DC PV arrays operating at 50V or greater to detect ground fault currents?

• AListed DC ground-fault protection device (GFPD)
• BStandard AC ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI)
• CSingle-pole manual disconnect switch without fuse
• DUn-fused copper grounding jumper across array legs

Per CEC 690.11, what protection is required for DC PV source and output circuits operating at 80 Volts DC or greater on or in buildings?

• AResidual current monitor device (RCM)
• BListed DC arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI)
• CInverse-time thermal-magnetic circuit breaker only
• DAutomatic line voltage surge suppressor (SPD)

Per CEC 690.13 and 690.15, where must the main PV system disconnect be located relative to the inverter equipment?

• AInside main service panel behind deadfront cover
• BOn roof racking structure directly under array center only
• CWithin line of sight of or integral to inverter equipment
• DAt utility substation transformer distribution point

Per CEC 250.122 and 690.45, how is the equipment grounding conductor (EGC) sized for a PV source circuit protected by a 20A OCPD?

• AMinimum 14 AWG copper conductor
• BMinimum 10 AWG copper conductor
• CMinimum 8 AWG copper conductor
• DMinimum 12 AWG copper conductor

According to CEC 690.47, how must the PV system grounding electrode conductor (GEC) be connected to the building grounding system?

• AConnected directly to existing building grounding electrode system
• BConnected to a isolated separate ground rod without bonding
• CConnected to interior cold water pipe using plastic ground clamp only
• DConnected to utility neutral service conductor at meter jaw

Per CEC 705.12(B)(2), why must a backfeed PV breaker be installed at the opposite end of the busbar from the main service breaker?

• ATo increase total busbar electrical resistance to PV current
• BTo prevent localized busbar current overload between sources
• CTo allow automatic tripping during high ambient temperature
• DTo satisfy aesthetic requirements inside customer electrical panel

Per CEC 705.11, what is a primary requirement for a supply-side connection (line-side tap) made ahead of the main service disconnect?

• AThe tap conductors may be un-fused all the way to inverter
• BThe tap connection can exceed main service entrance rating
• CA fused disconnect or circuit breaker must be installed near tap
• DNeutral conductor can be omitted completely from tap assembly only

Per CEC Article 706 and California Fire Code 1207, what is the maximum individual energy capacity for a residential indoor Lithium-ion ESS wall unit?

• A50 kWh maximum capacity per individual ESS unit
• B35 kWh maximum capacity per individual ESS unit
• C25 kWh maximum capacity per individual ESS unit
• D20 kWh maximum capacity per individual ESS unit

Per CEC 706.15, what disconnecting means requirement applies to Energy Storage Systems (ESS)?

• AReadily accessible disconnect controlling all ungrounded conductors
• BInternal software touch-screen shutdown icon only
• CKey-operated lock switch located inside main utility transformer only
• DRemovable inline fuse holder located behind battery cells

According to CEC 690.31(D), how must raceways and enclosures containing DC PV source conductors inside a building be labeled?

• AYellow adhesive labels marked CAUTION: LOW VOLTAGE DC warning signs
• BRed background labels marked WARNING: PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER SOURCE
• CBlue plastic tags marked DANGER: HIGH FREQUENCY AC
• DWhite vinyl tape wrapped once at conduit terminations

During commissioning of a 10-module PV string (rated Voc = 40.0V per module at STC), a technician measures string Voc at 25°C ambient. What is expected Voc?

• A40 Volts DC expected string open-circuit voltage
• B200 Volts DC expected string open-circuit voltage
• C400 Volts DC expected string open-circuit voltage
• D600 Volts DC expected string open-circuit voltage

When performing a short-circuit current (Isc) test on an individual PV string during commissioning, what instrument and safety procedure should be used?

• AStandard AC voltmeter placed across string disconnect terminals
• BDigital ohmmeter set to low resistance scale across live leads
• CAnalog insulation tester set to 1000V DC across un-shorted leads
• DCalibrated DC clamp meter around shorted string test loop

What minimum insulation resistance (Megger) value is acceptable when testing 600V DC PV array conductors to ground prior to inverter connection?

• A1.0 Megohm minimum insulation resistance
• B0.1 Megohm minimum insulation resistance
• C100 Ohms minimum insulation resistance
• D500 Ohms minimum insulation resistance

How is anti-islanding functional protection verified during commissioning of a grid-tied PV inverter per IEEE 1547 / UL 1741 standards?

• ABy shorting DC array inputs while inverter operates at full load
• BBy opening AC main utility disconnect and verifying immediate trip
• CBy raising ambient temperature around inverter to 140 degrees F
• DBy disconnecting module equipment grounding conductors under load only