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NABCEP PVTS practice questions

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Question 1PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A homeowner asks what the difference is between a PV system's nameplate DC rating and its expected AC output. Which statement is the most accurate explanation a salesperson should give?

  1. Nameplate DC applies only to off-grid systems, while AC output applies only to grid-tied systems
  2. Nameplate DC and AC output are equal whenever the inverter is sized at a 1.0 DC-to-AC ratio
  3. Nameplate DC is the array's rating at standard test conditions, while AC output is lower after inverter and wiring losses Correct answer.
  4. AC output is always higher than nameplate DC because inverters amplify the array current

Explanation

Module nameplate ratings are measured at standard test conditions and represent DC power at the array. Real AC production is reduced by inverter conversion losses, wiring losses, soiling, temperature, and other derates, so the expected AC output is typically 75 to 85 percent of the DC nameplate.

Question 2PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

During a site visit, a salesperson needs to estimate the annual energy production of a proposed rooftop array. Which input is most important to obtain from a shading analysis?

  1. The roof membrane color
  2. The utility's net metering compensation rate
  3. The horizon profile and shade-casting obstructions across the year Correct answer.
  4. The module manufacturer's warranty term

Explanation

Shading analysis produces a horizon profile and identifies obstructions such as trees, chimneys, and adjacent buildings that block irradiance at specific times. That data feeds the shading loss factor used in production estimates.

Question 3PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer's utility bill shows a monthly usage of 1,100 kWh and a 12-month total of 13,200 kWh. What average daily usage should a salesperson use when sizing an array to offset annual consumption?

  1. About 36 kWh per day Correct answer.
  2. About 44 kWh per day
  3. About 30 kWh per day
  4. About 52 kWh per day

Explanation

Annual consumption divided by 365 days gives average daily usage: 13,200 divided by 365 equals approximately 36 kWh per day. This figure is then combined with specific yield to estimate the DC array size needed for the desired offset.

Question 4PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

Which document typically gives a salesperson the legal authority to install equipment on a homeowner's property and to submit interconnection paperwork on the customer's behalf?

  1. The building permit application alone
  2. The module datasheet
  3. The utility's rate schedule
  4. The signed contract with authorization clauses and customer signatures Correct answer.

Explanation

A signed contract that includes authorization language grants the installer permission to perform work and act on the customer's behalf for permits and interconnection. Without signed authorization, the installer lacks documented consent.

Question 5PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is comparing two modules with the same wattage but different temperature coefficients of Pmax. Which specification comparison is most relevant for a hot-climate installation?

  1. Temperature coefficient has no effect on energy yield and can be ignored
  2. Only the open-circuit voltage coefficient matters for energy production
  3. The module with the more negative Pmax coefficient will produce more energy in high heat
  4. The module with the less negative Pmax temperature coefficient will generally lose less output as cell temperature rises Correct answer.

Explanation

Pmax temperature coefficient describes how power changes per degree of cell temperature. A less negative coefficient means a smaller percentage loss as cells heat up, which matters in hot climates where cell temperatures can far exceed 25 degrees Celsius.

Question 6PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A prospective customer wants to know how much roof area is needed for a 10 kW DC array using modules rated 400 W with dimensions of about 1.0 m by 2.0 m. Ignoring spacing and obstructions, what is the closest module count and area?

  1. 15 modules, about 30 square meters
  2. 20 modules, about 40 square meters
  3. 25 modules, about 50 square meters Correct answer.
  4. 30 modules, about 60 square meters

Explanation

Dividing 10,000 W by 400 W per module gives 25 modules. Each module covers about 2 square meters, so 25 modules occupy roughly 50 square meters before adding walkways, setbacks, and row spacing.

Question 7PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

When presenting a production estimate to a customer, why should a salesperson disclose the modeling assumptions and uncertainty range rather than a single number?

  1. Because utilities require disclosure of the inverter serial number
  2. Because production estimates are legally guaranteed minimums
  3. Because estimates depend on weather, soiling, and shading assumptions that vary year to year and affect expectations Correct answer.
  4. Because the customer must choose the module brand before modeling

Explanation

Production modeling relies on typical meteorological year data and assumed losses, so actual output varies with weather and site conditions. Disclosing assumptions and a range sets realistic expectations and supports informed consent.

Question 8PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer asks whether their system will still produce power during a utility outage. For a standard grid-tied string inverter without battery backup, what is the correct answer?

  1. The inverter will continue producing at full power for the duration of the outage
  2. The inverter will produce at reduced power using the grid as a reference
  3. The inverter will automatically island the home and power selected circuits
  4. The inverter will shut down to avoid backfeeding an energized grid and will not produce until the grid returns Correct answer.

Explanation

Grid-tied inverters without backup are required to cease export and stop energizing the service during an outage to protect utility workers. Without battery storage or a special backup inverter, the array produces nothing during the outage.

Question 9PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is evaluating net metering versus net billing compensation for a customer. Which factor most directly determines the financial value of exported energy under each program?

  1. The inverter's maximum DC input voltage
  2. The roof's structural load rating
  3. The compensation rate applied to exports and whether credits carry over at full or avoided-cost value Correct answer.
  4. The module's bypass diode configuration

Explanation

The value of exports depends on the rate paid for exported kilowatt-hours and how credits are banked or trued up. Net metering typically credits exports near retail rate, while net billing often credits at a lower avoided-cost rate.

Question 10PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A homeowner with a steep north-facing roof and a large south-facing garage roof asks where the array should go. What is the best sales response?

  1. Split the array evenly regardless of orientation to balance production
  2. Place the array on the south-facing roof to maximize irradiance and production per module Correct answer.
  3. Place the array on the north roof to reduce utility interconnection costs
  4. Place the array on the north-facing roof because cooler temperatures improve output

Explanation

In the northern hemisphere, south-facing surfaces receive the highest annual irradiance, so the same module count produces more energy there. Orientation strongly affects specific yield and should drive array placement when area is limited.

Question 11PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

During a site survey, a salesperson measures a main panel busbar rating of 200 A and a main breaker of 200 A. Under the common 120 percent busbar allowance rule, what is the maximum PV breaker size generally permitted without a main breaker downsizing?

  1. 50 A
  2. 40 A Correct answer.
  3. 60 A
  4. 80 A

Explanation

The 120 percent rule allows the sum of the main breaker and the PV breaker to reach 120 percent of the busbar rating. With a 200 A busbar and 200 A main, 240 A total is allowed, leaving 40 A for the PV breaker.

Question 12PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer is comparing a string inverter system with a microinverter system. Which customer-facing advantage is most accurately attributed to microinverters?

  1. Elimination of the need for rapid shutdown equipment and labeling
  2. Module-level maximum power point tracking that reduces the impact of shading and module mismatch on the array Correct answer.
  3. Higher overall conversion efficiency than any string inverter
  4. Lower upfront equipment cost per watt

Explanation

Microinverters perform maximum power point tracking at each module, so shading or soiling on one module has limited effect on the rest of the array. This module-level optimization is a genuine advantage over a single string MPPT.

Question 13PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

Which customer information is essential to collect before finalizing an interconnection application with the utility?

  1. The installer's vehicle fleet details
  2. The customer's preferred module color
  3. The customer's homeowner insurance carrier
  4. The service address, account number, and proposed system size and type Correct answer.

Explanation

Interconnection applications require identifying the service location and account, plus the proposed generating capacity and technology type so the utility can review impacts. Module aesthetics, fleet details, and insurance carrier are not part of the application.

Question 14PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is preparing a proposal for a customer whose utility has moved to time-of-use rates with high evening prices. Which design or programming choice best increases bill savings without adding storage?

  1. Orienting some modules west to shift production later in the day Correct answer.
  2. Reducing the array size to lower the upfront cost
  3. Choosing modules with the highest open-circuit voltage
  4. Orienting all modules east to capture early morning sun

Explanation

West-facing modules produce more in the afternoon and early evening, which can align production with higher time-of-use prices. A west-tilted or split orientation can raise the value of each kilowatt-hour even if total annual production drops slightly.

Question 15PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer asks what the inverter's DC-to-AC ratio (also called oversizing or clipping ratio) means. Which explanation is correct?

  1. It is the ratio of AC voltage to DC voltage at the inverter terminals
  2. It is the ratio of inverter AC output to the array's annual energy production
  3. It is the percentage of modules that must be removed for service
  4. It is the ratio of array DC nameplate to inverter AC rating, and some clipping can be economic because inverters rarely see full array output Correct answer.

Explanation

The DC-to-AC ratio compares array nameplate capacity to inverter AC rating. Because arrays seldom produce at full nameplate due to temperature and irradiance, modest oversizing captures more energy over the year even though some midday output is clipped.

Question 16PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is reviewing a customer's roof with three tab shingles installed over a single layer of felt. What is the most important structural and condition question to resolve before quoting?

  1. The age and remaining service life of the roof, since re-roofing after array installation adds cost and labor Correct answer.
  2. The brand of the roof underlayment
  3. The number of nails per shingle
  4. The shingle manufacturer's color palette

Explanation

If the roof is near the end of its life, removing and reinstalling the array for a re-roof significantly increases cost. Salespeople should identify roof age and condition and discuss re-roofing before installation.

Question 17PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer with a 7.2 kW DC array and a 6 kW AC inverter asks how much energy the system might export on a clear spring day with low load. Which factor most limits export at midday?

  1. The module's open-circuit voltage
  2. The utility's interconnection review timeline
  3. Inverter clipping when array output exceeds the inverter's AC rating Correct answer.
  4. The number of bypass diodes

Explanation

When DC array output exceeds the inverter's AC rating, the inverter limits output to its rating, which is called clipping. On cool, clear days with high irradiance, clipping can limit midday export.

Question 18PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

Which statement best describes the purpose of a rapid shutdown system in a customer proposal?

  1. It disconnects the home from the utility during a fault
  2. It stores excess energy for evening use
  3. It reduces voltage and energy at the array to safer levels for first responders during an emergency Correct answer.
  4. It increases inverter efficiency during normal operation

Explanation

Rapid shutdown requirements address firefighter safety by limiting energized conductors near the array when the system is shut down. It is a safety feature, not an efficiency or storage feature.

Question 19PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is comparing a cash purchase with a solar loan for a customer who plans to move in five years. Which factor is most important to explain about the loan option?

  1. The loan removes the need for a site survey
  2. The loan may need to be paid off at sale or assumed by the buyer, which can complicate the transaction Correct answer.
  3. The loan always transfers automatically to the buyer with no disclosure
  4. The loan eliminates the federal tax credit eligibility

Explanation

Solar loans are secured obligations tied to the homeowner, so selling the home may require paying off the balance or transferring the loan with lender approval. That can complicate a sale and should be disclosed upfront.

Question 20PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer asks how much the system will reduce their carbon footprint. Which approach is most defensible for a salesperson?

  1. Assume all production offsets coal generation at the highest possible emissions rate
  2. Multiply estimated annual production by a regionally appropriate grid emissions factor and state the assumptions used Correct answer.
  3. State that PV systems have no measurable emissions impact
  4. Use the module's embodied carbon as the annual avoided emissions figure

Explanation

Avoided emissions are estimated by multiplying annual kilowatt-hours by a grid emissions factor appropriate to the region and time of use. Stating the factor and assumptions keeps the claim defensible and transparent.

Question 21PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is preparing a proposal for a customer whose utility requires a visible lockable AC disconnect at the meter. What is the correct action?

  1. Omit the disconnect because the inverter already has an integrated DC switch
  2. Rely on the main service panel breaker as the required disconnect
  3. Include the utility-required disconnect in the design and proposal scope Correct answer.
  4. Ask the customer to install the disconnect after commissioning

Explanation

When a utility requires an external, lockable AC disconnect, it must be included in the design and priced in the proposal. The inverter's DC switch and the main breaker do not satisfy that specific requirement.

Question 22PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer's utility bill shows a high demand charge separate from energy charges. Which statement best explains how a residential PV system typically affects demand charges?

  1. PV increases demand charges by raising the service voltage
  2. PV always eliminates demand charges because it reduces energy consumption
  3. PV may reduce demand charges only if it lowers the peak demand interval, which depends on when the peak occurs Correct answer.
  4. PV has no relationship to demand charges under any tariff

Explanation

Demand charges are based on the highest measured demand during a billing interval. PV reduces them only when production coincides with and lowers that peak interval; evening peaks may be unaffected by solar.

Question 23PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

Which item is most important to confirm with a customer before signing a contract regarding trees that will grow and shade the array in future years?

  1. The number of leaves produced annually
  2. The species' scientific name
  3. The tree's current market value
  4. Whether the customer controls the trees or needs a neighbor's cooperation to trim or remove them Correct answer.

Explanation

Future shading depends on tree growth and on who controls the trees. If a neighbor owns them, the customer may need an agreement or may face shading that reduces long-term production, which should be discussed before signing.

Question 24PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is explaining why the same 8 kW array produces different annual energy in two nearby cities. Which factor best explains the difference?

  1. Differences in annual plane-of-array irradiance and ambient temperature between the locations Correct answer.
  2. Differences in the module's wattage rating
  3. Differences in the inverter's country of manufacture
  4. Differences in the number of modules per string

Explanation

Annual energy depends heavily on the solar resource and temperature at the site. Two locations with the same array can differ because of irradiance and climate, which are captured in location-specific production modeling.

Question 25PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer asks whether adding battery storage will increase the value of their PV system under a net billing tariff with low export credits. Which answer is most accurate?

  1. Storage can raise value by shifting exports or self-consumption to higher-value periods, but the benefit depends on the tariff and load profile Correct answer.
  2. Storage eliminates the need for an interconnection application
  3. Storage always doubles the value of PV regardless of tariff
  4. Storage has no effect on value under any tariff

Explanation

Under low export compensation, storing midday production for evening use or higher-price periods can increase value. The actual benefit depends on the tariff structure, the customer's load profile, and battery costs.

Question 26PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is qualifying a lead whose roof is shaded by a large oak tree from mid-afternoon onward. Which next step is most appropriate before quoting a system size?

  1. Promise the customer that modern inverters eliminate shade losses
  2. Recommend a smaller array and note the shading as a performance risk
  3. Quote the full roof area and let the customer decide about the tree
  4. Request a shade analysis or site visit to quantify the loss before sizing Correct answer.

Explanation

Shade losses vary widely with timing, tree species, and module layout, so a salesperson should measure or model them before committing to a size. Guessing either oversells production or needlessly shrinks the proposal.

Question 27PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

During a sales appointment, a customer asks what the term 'azimuth' means on the proposal drawing. Which answer is accurate?

  1. The tilt angle measured from horizontal
  2. The ratio of array DC rating to inverter AC rating
  3. The vertical distance between roof rows
  4. The compass direction the array surface faces Correct answer.

Explanation

Azimuth is the compass orientation of the array's face, typically reported in degrees from true north. It is distinct from tilt, which is the angle above horizontal.

Question 28PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson wants to confirm a customer's annual electricity usage for an accurate system size recommendation. Which source is most reliable?

  1. Twelve months of utility usage history in kWh Correct answer.
  2. The square footage of the home
  3. The nameplate rating of the main service panel
  4. The customer's estimate of their monthly bill

Explanation

A full year of interval or monthly kWh data captures seasonal variation and is the standard basis for sizing. Bill dollar amounts vary with rates and fees, so they are a weaker proxy for energy.

Question 29PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer asks what the inverter efficiency figure on a datasheet means. Which explanation is most accurate?

  1. The share of AC output the inverter can export to the grid
  2. The share of rated power available at high ambient temperature
  3. The share of sunlight the modules convert to DC electricity
  4. The share of DC input the inverter converts to usable AC output Correct answer.

Explanation

Inverter efficiency is the ratio of AC power delivered to DC power drawn, with the remainder lost mainly as heat. Weighted efficiency reflects performance across the operating range rather than at a single point.

Question 30PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is explaining the difference between a solar renewable energy credit (SREC) and a utility rebate. Which distinction is correct?

  1. An SREC is earned per MWh of generation and traded, while a rebate is a fixed incentive payment Correct answer.
  2. An SREC is paid once at installation, while a rebate is paid monthly
  3. An SREC reduces the federal tax basis, while a rebate does not
  4. An SREC is issued by the manufacturer, while a rebate comes from the installer

Explanation

SRECs are market-based certificates representing renewable generation, typically one per megawatt-hour, sold separately from electricity. Rebates are one-time or fixed incentive payments from a program administrator or utility.

Question 31PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer wants to know why the proposal lists a 'year one' production figure rather than a single lifetime total. Which explanation is best?

  1. Lifetime totals are impossible to model with software
  2. Utilities require year-one numbers on all contracts
  3. Year-one figures exclude inverter losses
  4. Module output declines slowly each year, so annual figures show expected degradation Correct answer.

Explanation

Modules lose a small fraction of output annually, so production estimates are usually presented year by year with a degradation rate. This lets the customer see expected output at any point in the warranty period.

Question 32PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is describing the role of a charge controller in an off-grid system. Which statement is correct?

  1. It regulates charging of the battery bank from the array Correct answer.
  2. It converts DC from the array to grid-quality AC
  3. It disconnects the array for rapid shutdown
  4. It tracks the utility meter for net metering

Explanation

In battery-based systems a charge controller manages voltage and current to the battery, preventing overcharge and optimizing array output. Grid-tied systems without batteries generally do not use one.

Question 33PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer asks what a production guarantee in a solar contract typically covers. Which answer is most accurate?

  1. It guarantees the inverter will last the full warranty term
  2. It guarantees a minimum energy output, often with a payment if output falls short Correct answer.
  3. It guarantees the utility will credit every exported kWh
  4. It guarantees the modules will never fail

Explanation

A production guarantee sets a modeled minimum output and specifies compensation or repair if measured output falls below it. It is a financial backstop, not a promise of flawless equipment.

Question 34PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is comparing two module options for a customer: one with a lower temperature coefficient and one with a higher one. Which statement best explains the practical difference?

  1. A lower coefficient means the module is less efficient at 25 C
  2. The higher-coefficient module produces more energy in hot weather
  3. Temperature coefficient affects only mechanical strength
  4. The lower-coefficient module loses less output as cell temperature rises Correct answer.

Explanation

Temperature coefficient expresses how much power changes per degree of cell temperature. A less negative coefficient means smaller losses on hot days, which matters in warm climates.

Question 35PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A homeowner asks whether their homeowner association can block a rooftop solar installation. Which response is most accurate for a salesperson to give?

  1. HOAs may ban solar outright in every state
  2. State solar access laws may limit HOA restrictions, so the specific rules should be checked Correct answer.
  3. Only the utility can override HOA rules
  4. HOAs have no authority over rooftop equipment anywhere in the country

Explanation

Many states have solar access statutes that restrict how HOAs and similar entities can prohibit or condition solar installations, but the details vary. The salesperson should direct the customer to verify the governing documents and applicable state law.

Question 36PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer's utility uses a demand charge based on the highest 15-minute interval of the month. Which system feature most directly helps reduce that charge?

  1. A larger array oriented to the south
  2. A higher DC-to-AC ratio
  3. A revenue-grade production meter
  4. Battery storage that shaves peak intervals Correct answer.

Explanation

Demand charges are set by short peak intervals, so discharging a battery during those intervals reduces the billed peak. PV alone may not align with the peak or may not reduce it enough.

Question 37PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is estimating the roof area needed for a 12 kW DC array using 450 W modules that measure about 1.95 m by 1.05 m. Which approach gives the most defensible estimate?

  1. Use the inverter AC rating to determine roof area
  2. Divide the roof square footage by the module wattage
  3. Assume 10 W per square foot for all modules
  4. Divide 12,000 W by 450 W to get module count, multiply by module area, then add allowance for spacing and access Correct answer.

Explanation

Module count comes from array DC rating divided by module wattage; total module area is that count times the area per module. Real layouts need extra area for walkways, setbacks, and row spacing, so an allowance must be added.

Question 38PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer asks why the proposal shows a lower production estimate than a neighbor's identical array one town away. Which factor most plausibly explains the difference?

  1. The color of the roof shingles
  2. The brand of the utility meter
  3. The customer's credit score
  4. Different local weather and irradiance data used in modeling Correct answer.

Explanation

Production models use location-specific irradiance and weather data, so nearby sites can differ somewhat. Shade, tilt, and azimuth also matter, but the question specifies identical arrays.

Question 39PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is preparing a proposal for a customer who plans to add an EV in two years. Which recommendation is most appropriate?

  1. Model future EV charging load and evaluate a larger array or battery-ready design Correct answer.
  2. Advise the customer to delay solar until after buying the EV
  3. Size the array to current usage only and ignore the future load
  4. Recommend the smallest system allowed by the utility

Explanation

Including anticipated loads in the model helps avoid an undersized system and a later expensive expansion. A battery-ready or expandable design can also accommodate future changes.

Question 40PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer asks how a solar loan with a dealer fee differs economically from a no-fee loan at a higher rate. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. The no-fee loan always has a lower total cost
  2. The dealer fee is paid to the utility as an interconnection charge
  3. The dealer fee reduces the federal tax credit basis
  4. The dealer fee is added to the financed amount, raising the principal and total interest Correct answer.

Explanation

Dealer fees are typically financed into the loan balance, which increases principal and therefore total interest paid. Comparing total cost requires looking at both rate and financed amount, not the rate alone.

Question 41PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is walking a roof and finds several cracked tiles near a valley. What is the most appropriate action before finalizing the proposal?

  1. Note the condition and plan for tile replacement or a flashing approach compatible with tile roofs Correct answer.
  2. Ignore the cracks because the array will cover that area
  3. Recommend removing the array from the roof entirely
  4. Assume the homeowner will handle it after installation

Explanation

Pre-existing damage and tile fragility affect mounting method and liability. Documenting condition and planning appropriate flashing or replacement protects both customer and installer.

Question 42PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer asks what the term 'interconnection application' refers to in the sales process. Which description is correct?

  1. The warranty registration submitted to the module maker
  2. The request to the utility to connect the PV system to its grid Correct answer.
  3. The contract between the customer and the installer
  4. The building permit issued by the local jurisdiction

Explanation

The interconnection application asks the utility to review and approve the system's connection to the distribution grid. It is separate from the building permit and from the sales contract.

Question 43PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer's utility offers net billing where exports are credited at a rate lower than retail. Which design change most improves the customer's economics under that tariff?

  1. Removing the inverter to avoid conversion losses
  2. Orienting all modules to the west to increase exports
  3. Sizing the array closer to on-site consumption and considering storage for excess production Correct answer.
  4. Maximizing array size to export as much as possible

Explanation

When export credits are below retail, self-consumption is more valuable than exporting. Right-sizing the array and using storage to shift excess production into on-site use improves the return.

Question 44PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson needs to explain why module-level power electronics may be proposed for a roof with multiple orientations and some shade. Which explanation is most accurate?

  1. They replace the utility meter during net metering
  2. They allow per-module maximum power point tracking and can reduce mismatch losses Correct answer.
  3. They eliminate the need for any rapid shutdown device
  4. They increase the module's physical dimensions

Explanation

Module-level electronics track each module independently, which reduces mismatch losses when modules see different irradiance or orientation. They can also provide rapid shutdown functions, but that is a separate benefit.

Question 45PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer asks whether a ground-mounted array on their property is likely to qualify for the same incentives as a roof-mounted system. Which statement is most accurate?

  1. Only leased systems qualify for incentives
  2. Ground mounts never qualify for any incentive
  3. Incentive eligibility depends on program rules and system ownership, not solely on roof versus ground mounting Correct answer.
  4. Roof mounts always receive a larger incentive than ground mounts

Explanation

Program rules define eligible systems by factors such as size, location, ownership, and interconnection, not simply mounting type. The salesperson should verify the specific program requirements.

Question 46PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is analyzing whether a battery will pay back under a time-of-use tariff with high evening rates and low midday rates. Which calculation is most relevant?

  1. The roof pitch in degrees
  2. The module temperature coefficient
  3. The battery's round-trip efficiency multiplied by the evening-to-midday rate spread and cycles per year Correct answer.
  4. The number of modules on the array

Explanation

Arbitrage value depends on the price difference between charging and discharging periods, adjusted for efficiency losses and how many cycles occur annually. Other factors affect production, not storage economics.

Question 47PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer with a 200 A service panel and a 200 A main breaker asks whether a 60 A backfed PV breaker is acceptable under the common 120 percent busbar rule. Which analysis is correct?

  1. The sum of the main breaker and PV breaker exceeds 120 percent of the busbar, so a load-side tap or main breaker downsizing may be needed Correct answer.
  2. The installation is always acceptable because PV breakers do not count toward busbar limits
  3. The installation is acceptable only if the inverter is string type
  4. The installation is acceptable only if the array faces south

Explanation

Under the 120 percent allowance, the sum of the main breaker and the PV breaker cannot exceed 120 percent of the busbar rating unless the main breaker is reduced or a different connection method is used. Here 200 A plus 60 A exceeds 240 A.

Question 48PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is reviewing a customer's utility bill and sees both a fixed monthly charge and a volumetric energy charge. Which statement best explains how a PV system affects these two components?

  1. It reduces the volumetric energy charge but does not reduce the fixed monthly charge Correct answer.
  2. It eliminates the fixed monthly charge entirely
  3. It increases the fixed charge because of interconnection
  4. It reduces both the fixed and the volumetric charges equally

Explanation

Fixed charges are assessed regardless of consumption, so PV cannot offset them. Energy charges fall as on-site generation displaces purchased kWh.

Question 49PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A customer asks how the salesperson arrived at a specific annual production number. Which response best reflects sound sales practice?

  1. State that the number is exact and guaranteed
  2. Explain the modeling tool, input assumptions, shading and soiling losses, and expected degradation Correct answer.
  3. Decline to explain because the model is proprietary
  4. Refer the customer to the utility for production data

Explanation

Disclosing the model, assumptions, and loss factors lets the customer judge the estimate and understand variability. Presenting an estimate as exact misrepresents the uncertainty inherent in production modeling.

Question 50PV Technical Sales Job Task Analysis domains (not enumerated in source)

A salesperson is comparing a cash purchase with a lease for a customer who expects to sell the home in three years. Which factor is most important to evaluate?

  1. The inverter's maximum efficiency rating
  2. The lease transfer process and whether the buyer must assume the agreement Correct answer.
  3. The color of the modules on the roof
  4. The number of sunny days in the region

Explanation

With a short ownership horizon, the ability to transfer or buy out a lease at sale becomes a major risk. Cash ownership avoids transfer complications because the system conveys with the property.