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100+ Free FL Solar Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: FL Solar Exam

70%

Passing score

DBPR

80

Scored questions

DBPR At a Glance

5 hrs

Time allowed

DBPR At a Glance

$135

Registration fee

Professional Testing, Inc.

4 yrs

Experience req

CILB

The CILB Solar trade knowledge exam is an 80-question, 5-hour, open-book CBT exam weighted 50% photovoltaic systems, 25% domestic hot water, and 25% swimming pool/spa solar heating, with a 70% pass score. These are independently authored English-language multiple-choice study questions built from the official CILB Solar content outline and reference list (NEC 2020, FBC 2023, FSEC manuals); they are an MCQ study aid and do not reproduce CILB's item bank or substitute for the official open-book examination.

Sample FL Solar Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your FL Solar exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1A 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?
A.Photovoltaic systems 50%, domestic hot water 25%, swimming pools 25%
B.Photovoltaic systems 40%, domestic hot water 30%, swimming pools 30%
C.PV systems 60%, solar thermal 20%, business practices 20%
D.PV systems 50%, pool heating 30%, estimating 20%
Explanation: The DBPR/CILB Solar Trade Knowledge exam is organized into three content areas: photovoltaic systems (50%), domestic hot water (25%), and swimming pool/spa solar heating (25%). PV dominates the exam, so roughly half of your study time should target PV system sizing, wiring, NEC Article 690, and installation.
2The 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?
A.56
B.54
C.60
D.64
Explanation: 70% of 80 scored questions is 0.70 x 80 = 56 correct answers required to pass. The exam is open-book and computer-based through Pearson VUE, so the challenge is locating answers quickly rather than memorizing content.
3Under the Florida Building Code and NEC, which reference governs the installation of rooftop photovoltaic source and output circuits on a dwelling?
A.NEC Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems)
B.NEC Article 692 (Fuel Cell Systems)
C.NEC Article 695 (Fire Pumps)
D.FBC Plumbing Volume
Explanation: NEC Article 690 specifically covers solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, including source circuits, output circuits, conductors, disconnects, grounding, and rapid shutdown. The CILB Solar exam references the 2020 NEC Handbook, where Article 690 is the primary PV reference.
4Which NEC article addresses the interconnection of a PV inverter output to a utility-interactive electrical power production source?
A.Article 705 (Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources)
B.Article 690 (Solar Photovoltaic Systems)
C.Article 702 (Optional Standby Systems)
D.Article 701 (Legally Required Standby Systems)
Explanation: NEC Article 705 governs interconnected electric power production sources, including the point of connection, busbar loading, and the 120% busbar rule for utility-interactive PV systems. Article 690 covers the PV system itself up to the point of interconnection, then Article 705 takes over.
5A 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?
A.11.875 A
B.9.5 A
C.14.84 A
D.10.45 A
Explanation: NEC 690.8(A) requires the maximum PV circuit current to be the module short-circuit current multiplied by 125%: 9.5 x 1.25 = 11.875 A. Then 690.8(B) requires conductors and overcurrent devices to be sized at 125% of that maximum current for continuous loading.
6Using 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?
A.14.84 A
B.11.875 A
C.9.5 A
D.12.5 A
Explanation: NEC 690.8(A) sets maximum current at Isc x 1.25 = 11.875 A. NEC 690.8(B)(1) then requires conductors to have an ampacity of at least 125% of that maximum current: 11.875 x 1.25 = 14.84 A. This 1.56 combined factor is the foundation of PV conductor sizing.
7A 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?
A.DC arc-fault protection per NEC 690.11
B.Rapid shutdown per NEC 690.12
C.Ground-fault detection per NEC 690.41(B)
D.Both arc-fault and rapid shutdown requirements apply
Explanation: NEC 690.11 requires DC arc-fault circuit protection for PV circuits operating at 80 V or more, and 690.12 requires rapid shutdown for PV system circuits installed on or in buildings, so a 385 V rooftop string triggers both. Ground-fault protection under 690.41(B) applies as well, but it is not what the 80 V threshold drives.
8Per 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?
A.30 volts
B.60 volts
C.15 volts
D.80 volts
Explanation: NEC 690.12(B)(1) limits controlled conductors outside the array boundary to not more than 30 volts within 30 seconds of rapid shutdown initiation. The companion 240 VA limit existed only in the 2014 NEC and was removed in 2017, so the 2020 edition on the Florida solar reference list states the requirement in volts alone.
9A 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?
A.44 kWh
B.55 kWh
C.36 kWh
D.40 kWh
Explanation: Daily energy output = array kW rating x peak sun hours x performance ratio = 10 x 5.5 x 0.80 = 44 kWh/day. Florida's solar resource averages 5 to 6 peak sun hours, which makes PV productive even on hot days, though high module temperatures reduce efficiency.
10A 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?
A.7.27 kW
B.5.82 kW
C.6.40 kW
D.8.00 kW
Explanation: Required array size = daily kWh / (peak sun hours x performance ratio) = 32 / (5.5 x 0.80) = 32 / 4.4 = 7.27 kW. This sizing accounts for inverter, wiring, soiling, and temperature losses that reduce nameplate output to about 80% in real conditions.

About the FL Solar Exam

Florida Certified Solar Contractor trade knowledge exam covering photovoltaic (PV) systems (system sizing, site analysis, module and array configurations, inverters, conductors, grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, disconnects, NEC Article 690 and 705, installation, commissioning, troubleshooting), solar domestic hot water heating (collectors, storage, controls, heat exchangers, freeze protection, plumbing code), and swimming pool/spa solar heating (unglazed polymer collectors, sizing, piping, valves, controls, mounting, maintenance). Open-book, computer-based at Pearson VUE centers through Professional Testing, Inc.

Questions

80 scored questions

Time Limit

5 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam Fee

$135 registration + $80 per portion (Florida DBPR Bureau of Education and Testing; administered by Professional Testing, Inc. and Pearson VUE)

FL Solar Exam Content Outline

50%

Photovoltaic Systems

PV principles, solar resource and site analysis, module and array series/parallel configurations, system sizing, inverters, batteries and charge controllers, conductors and ampacity, grounding and bonding, overcurrent protection, disconnects, NEC Article 690 and 705, mounting and structural attachment, commissioning, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance, and safety.

25%

Domestic Hot Water (Solar Water Heating)

Solar water heating principles and system types (direct, indirect, thermosiphon, drainback, ICS), collectors and selective surfaces, storage and stratification, heat exchangers, pumps and differential controllers, freeze protection, scaling and maintenance, FBC Plumbing provisions, backflow protection, and tempering valves.

25%

Swimming Pool / Spa Solar Heating

Solar pool heating principles, unglazed polymer collectors, collector area sizing (50-100% of pool surface), flow rates, BTU and temperature-rise calculations, 3-way bypass valves, check valves and vacuum relief, differential controls, roof mounting and flashing, PVC piping, saltwater/titanium considerations, pool covers, seasonality, troubleshooting, and permitting.

How to Pass the FL Solar Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 70%
  • Exam length: 80 questions
  • Time limit: 5 hours
  • Exam fee: $135 registration + $80 per portion

Keys to Passing

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

FL Solar Study Tips from Top Performers

1Tab and index the three highest-value references first: NEC 2020 (Articles 690 and 705), the FSEC Solar Water and Pool Heating Manual, and the FBC Residential/Plumbing volumes. PV is 50% of the exam, so prioritize Article 690 conductor sizing (690.8), voltage correction (690.7), rapid shutdown (690.12), and the 705.12 120% busbar rule.
2Drill the 1.56 PV sizing factor: maximum PV circuit current = Isc x 1.25, then conductor/overcurrent ampacity = that value x 1.25. Practice next-size-up fuse selection from NEC 240.6 standard sizes.
3Memorize the solar thermal heat-rate formula BTU/hr = GPM x 500 x temperature rise and the FSEC sizing rules: ~20 gallons storage and ~20 ft2 collector per occupant for DHW; 50-100% of pool surface area for pool heating.
4Practice plan reading: know the single-line diagram symbols (array, combiner, DC disconnect, inverter, AC panel, point of connection) and the required NEC 690.53 DC disconnect labeling.
5Budget your 5 hours across the three content areas proportional to weight: spend roughly 2.5 hours on PV, 1.25 hours on DHW, and 1.25 hours on pool heating. Flag numeric and code-citation questions for verification in the references.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are these the real CILB exam questions?

No. These are independently written study questions built from the official CILB Solar content outline. They are an English-language MCQ study aid and do not reproduce CILB's item bank or substitute for the official open-book examination.

What is the format of the exam?

80 scored multiple-choice questions, 5 hours, open-book, computer-based at Pearson VUE centers, administered through Professional Testing, Inc. Passing score 70%.

Is the exam open-book?

Yes. Candidates may bring only the approved references listed on the DBPR Construction Examinations Reference Lists (effective January 1, 2026).

What experience is required?

Generally 4 years of trade experience including at least 1 year as a foreman, or a qualifying combination of education and experience; confirm with DBPR.