Florida Certified Solar Contractor Exam

A Florida Certified Solar Contractor is preparing for the state trade knowledge examination. Which three content areas make up the published exam outline, and what are their weights?

• APhotovoltaic systems 50%, domestic hot water 25%, swimming pools 25%
• BPhotovoltaic systems 40%, domestic hot water 30%, swimming pools 30%
• CPV systems 60%, solar thermal 20%, business practices 20%
• DPV systems 50%, pool heating 30%, estimating 20%

The CILB Solar Trade Knowledge exam contains 80 scored questions to be completed in 5 hours with a passing score of 70%. How many questions must a candidate answer correctly to pass?

• A56
• B54
• C60
• D64

Under the Florida Building Code and NEC, which reference governs the installation of rooftop photovoltaic source and output circuits on a dwelling?

• ANEC Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems)
• BNEC Article 692 (Fuel Cell Systems)
• CNEC Article 695 (Fire Pumps)
• DFBC Plumbing Volume

Which NEC article addresses the interconnection of a PV inverter output to a utility-interactive electrical power production source?

• AArticle 705 (Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources)
• BArticle 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems)
• CArticle 702 (Optional Standby Systems)
• DArticle 701 (Legally Required Standby Systems)

A PV module has a rated short-circuit current (Isc) of 9.5 A. Per NEC 690.8, what current must be used to size the PV source-circuit conductors for continuous operation?

• A11.875 A
• B9.5 A
• C14.84 A
• D10.45 A

Using NEC 690.8, a PV source circuit conductor must carry an Isc of 9.5 A. What minimum conductor ampacity is required before any condition-of-use derating, applying both the 690.8(A) and 690.8(B) factors?

• A14.84 A
• B11.875 A
• C9.5 A
• D12.5 A

A rooftop PV system in Florida has a maximum DC voltage of 385 V from a series string. Which NEC requirement is triggered because the system is mounted on a building and exceeds 80 V?

• ADC arc-fault protection per NEC 690.11
• BRapid shutdown per NEC 690.12
• CGround-fault detection per NEC 690.41(B)
• DBoth arc-fault and rapid shutdown requirements apply

Per NEC 690.12 in the 2020 edition, rapid shutdown of a building-mounted PV system must limit controlled conductors outside the array boundary to what voltage within 30 seconds?

• A30 volts
• B60 volts
• C15 volts
• D80 volts

A 10 kW PV array in central Florida produces energy at an average of 5.5 peak sun hours per day with a system efficiency (performance ratio) of 0.80. What is the estimated daily energy output?

• A44 kWh
• B55 kWh
• C36 kWh
• D40 kWh

A residence uses 32 kWh per day. Using 5.5 peak sun hours and a 0.80 performance ratio, what minimum PV array size (DC kW) is needed to offset 100% of the load?

• A7.27 kW
• B5.82 kW
• C6.40 kW
• D8.00 kW

A PV module has a rated open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 39.5 V at Standard Test Conditions. The cold-temperature voltage correction factor for the lowest expected ambient in the installation area is 1.10. What is the maximum source-circuit voltage for a string of 12 modules in series?

• A521.4 V
• B474.0 V
• C395.0 V
• D433.6 V

An inverter has a maximum DC input voltage of 600 V. Using modules with STC Voc of 39.5 V and a cold-temperature correction factor of 1.10, what is the maximum number of modules that can be wired in series without exceeding the inverter limit?

• A13 modules
• B12 modules
• C14 modules
• D15 modules

A PV source circuit carries 8 A through 100 ft (one-way) of #10 AWG copper conductor with a resistance of 1.24 ohms per 1000 ft. Using the NEC voltage-drop formula for single-phase DC, what is the voltage drop on a 48 V nominal circuit?

• A1.984 V
• B0.992 V
• C3.968 V
• D0.496 V

What is the percent voltage drop in the previous 48 V DC circuit with a 1.984 V drop?

• A4.13%
• B2.07%
• C1.03%
• D8.27%

A utility-interactive PV system is to backfeed a 200 A residential load center that has a 200 A main breaker. Per NEC 705.12(B)(3) in the 2020 edition, what is the maximum rated PV backfeed breaker allowed on the busbar using the 120% allowance?

• A40 A
• B20 A
• C50 A
• D25 A

If the same 200 A load center has its main breaker derated to 175 A, what is the new maximum PV backfeed breaker allowed by the 120% rule?

• A65 A
• B40 A
• C50 A
• D55 A

Which conductor type is permitted by NEC 690.31(C) for exposed single-conductor PV array wiring between modules on a rooftop?

• APV wire (USE-2 listed for PV)
• BTHWN-2 in conduit
• CNM-B (Romex)
• DUF cable

What is the primary function of a grid-interactive (utility-interactive) PV inverter?

• AConvert DC power from the PV array to synchronized AC power for the grid and loads
• BStore excess PV energy in batteries for nighttime use
• CConvert AC power from the utility to DC for the PV modules
• DIsolate the PV array from the inverter during maintenance

What anti-islanding requirement must a utility-interactive PV inverter meet under IEEE 1547 and NEC 705?

• ACease exporting power to the grid within 2 seconds of a utility outage
• BContinue exporting power for 5 minutes to stabilize the grid
• CDisconnect only after manual shutdown by the utility
• DSwitch to standalone mode and power the home automatically

A 12-module PV string uses modules rated at 39.5 V Vmp and 8.0 A Imp each. What is the string's rated maximum power operating voltage and current?

• A474 V at 8.0 A
• B39.5 V at 96 A
• C474 V at 96 A
• D381 V at 8.0 A

What is the rated maximum power (Pmp) of the 12-module string in the previous question at STC?

• A3,792 W
• B3,160 W
• C474 W
• D96 W

Per NEC 690.43 and 690.46, what is the purpose of bonding the metallic frames of PV modules to the equipment grounding conductor?

• ATo provide a low-impedance path for fault current so overcurrent devices operate and to l…
• BTo increase the power output of the array
• CTo allow the inverter to synchronize with the grid
• DTo protect the modules from lightning strikes only

In the 2020 NEC, which section requires ground-fault detection and interruption for the DC circuits of a PV system mounted on a building?

• ANEC 690.41(B)
• BNEC 690.6
• CNEC 690.11
• DNEC 690.12

A PV system includes a DC disconnect between the array and the inverter. Per NEC 690.17, what rating must this disconnect have if it is intended to be opened under load?

• ALoad-break rated and rated for the maximum DC voltage and current
• BGeneral-use isolating switch rated only for voltage
• CAny non-fusible enclosure disconnect
• DAC-only disconnect rated for the inverter output

When sizing an overcurrent device for a PV source circuit with a maximum current of 11.875 A per NEC 690.8, and using the next-size-up rule, what is the minimum standard fuse or breaker size (NEC 240.6 standard sizes: 15, 20, 25, 30)?

• A15 A
• B12 A
• C20 A
• D11.875 A

Per NEC 690.53 in the 2020 edition, what information must appear on the permanent label at a PV DC disconnecting means?

• AMaximum voltage, maximum circuit current, and the maximum rated output current of the cha…
• BInverter AC output voltage and frequency
• CBattery type and amp-hour capacity
• DUtility account number and meter identifier

On a Florida PV installation, the module temperature coefficient for Voc is -0.32%/C and the lowest expected ambient is 5 C. The STC Voc is 39.5 V and STC cell temperature is 25 C. What is the approximate cold-corrected Voc?

• A42.0 V
• B39.5 V
• C43.5 V
• D36.8 V

Why are PV modules typically derated in field conditions compared to their STC rating?

• ACell temperatures rise above 25 C in sunlight, reducing voltage and power output
• BModules produce more power at higher temperatures due to lower resistance
• CSTC uses 1500 W/m2 irradiance, which is higher than real sunlight
• DField modules use a different cell chemistry than STC test modules

Which OSHA 29 CFR 1926 fall protection requirement applies to PV installers working on a roof with a 12-foot eave height?

• AFall protection is required at heights of 6 feet or more in construction (1926.501)
• BFall protection is required only above 30 feet
• CFall protection is voluntary below 20 feet
• DNo fall protection is needed because the work is residential

Per OSHA 29 CFR 1926, which PPE is required for a PV installer working on an energized DC string during commissioning?

• AInsulated gloves rated for the maximum DC voltage and arc-rated clothing as needed
• BStandard leather gloves only
• CNo PPE is required because the system is DC
• DHard hat and safety glasses only

A PV array produces 6,000 W under full sun. The inverter has a CEC weighted efficiency of 96%. What is the AC output power?

• A5,760 W
• B6,000 W
• C6,250 W
• D5,400 W

Which type of PV module is best suited for a hot Florida rooftop where partial shading from a nearby tree affects part of the array in the afternoon?

• AModules with integrated bypass diodes and a microinverter or optimizer per module
• BA single central string inverter with no bypass or optimization
• CThin-film modules with no bypass diodes
• DBifacial modules mounted flat on a low-slope roof

When commissioning a grid-interactive PV system, which test verifies that the inverter anti-islanding function works correctly?

• AOpen the AC disconnect to the grid and confirm the inverter stops exporting within 2 seco…
• BOpen the DC disconnect and measure open-circuit voltage
• CMeasure the array insulation resistance with a megohmmeter
• DVerify the grounding electrode conductor continuity

When mounting a rooftop PV array in Florida, which building-code consideration governs the structural attachment of the racking to the roof trusses?

• AFlorida Building Code - Residential, structural and wind-load provisions for roof-mounted…
• BNEC Article 690 wiring methods only
• COSHA 29 CFR 1926 fall protection only
• DFBC Plumbing Volume drainage provisions

Per NEC 690.31, where PV DC conductors are run in a conduit through a building before reaching the inverter, what additional marking is required at the conduit?

• ALabels reading 'PV DC CONDUCTORS' or 'DANGER - DC CONDUCTORS' at required spacing
• BNo marking is required because the conduit is visible
• CA single label at the inverter end only
• DMarking is required only on AC conduits

A standalone PV system must power a continuous 200 W load for 3 days of autonomy on a 48 V battery bank. Assuming a 90% battery round-trip efficiency and a maximum 80% depth of discharge, what minimum battery capacity (Ah) is required?

• A41.67 Ah
• B30.00 Ah
• C37.50 Ah
• D50.00 Ah

What is the recommended tilt angle for a fixed south-facing PV array in central Florida (latitude about 28 degrees N) to maximize annual energy production?

• AApproximately 25-30 degrees, close to the local latitude
• B45 degrees to maximize winter production
• C15 degrees to maximize summer production only
• D0 degrees (flat) to avoid wind loading

What unit is used to express peak solar irradiance at Standard Test Conditions for PV module rating?

• A1,000 W/m2
• B100 W/m2
• C10,000 W/m2
• D1,000 W/ft2

Under Florida's net-metering rule (PSC Rule 25-6.065), how is excess PV energy exported to the utility typically compensated for a residential customer under 100 kW?

• ACredited at the retail rate through a net-metering arrangement with the utility
• BPurchased at a wholesale avoided-cost rate only
• CCompensated at a flat monthly fee regardless of export
• DNot compensated at all; exports are forfeited

Three PV source circuits are paralleled in a combiner box. Under what condition does NEC Article 690 require each source circuit to carry its own overcurrent protective device?

• AWhen the array has three or more paralleled source circuits, so that the other strings ca…
• BOnly when the combiner box is mounted more than 10 ft from the inverter
• COnly on commercial arrays; one- and two-family dwelling arrays are exempt regardless of s…
• DNever - the inverter's internal electronics provide all required DC overcurrent protection

A 9 kW DC PV array is paired with a 7.5 kW AC inverter. What is the DC-to-AC (inverter loading) ratio, and is it typical for a Florida residential system?

• A1.20, which is typical and helps the inverter operate near its rated capacity through the…
• B0.83, which would over-load the inverter
• C1.50, which would cause chronic clipping
• D1.00, which is the only acceptable ratio

A PV module is rated at 400 W STC. Real-world operating conditions produce a 0.85 derate factor (temperature, soiling, inverter, wiring). What is the expected AC output of one module under those conditions?

• A340 W
• B400 W
• C300 W
• D385 W

Which NEC article section addresses the marking and warning labels required at the AC point of connection for a utility-interactive PV system?

• ANEC 705.12 and 705.10, including the marking of the power source at the disconnecting mea…
• BNEC 690.4 only
• CNEC 230.66 only
• DNEC 110.26 only

What is the primary purpose of a battery-based PV charge controller in an off-grid system?

• ARegulate the charging current and voltage to the battery bank to prevent overcharge and d…
• BConvert battery DC to grid-interactive AC
• CIncrease the array voltage above the inverter limit
• DDisconnect the array from the inverter during grid outages

Using Walker's Building Estimator's Reference Book, which cost category should be added to direct labor and material when estimating a PV installation bid price?

• AOverhead and profit, applied as a percentage of direct cost
• BOnly the cost of permits
• COnly the inverter cost
• DOnly the sales tax

On a PV plan set, what does the single-line diagram show?

• AThe major electrical components and conductors in a simplified one-line representation
• BThe structural roof framing layout
• CThe plumbing drain, waste, and vent layout
• DThe site survey and underground utility locations