NABCEP PV ASSOCIATE PRACTICE EXAM NEWEST
2026 UPDATE REAL PRACTICE EXAM 150
QUESTIONS & CORRECT ANSWERS | ALREADY
GRADED A+
Content covered (most tested domains): PV system
fundamentals, solar resource, system components, electrical
basics, safety, codes (NEC concepts), installation practices,
performance, maintenance, commissioning, and terminology.
1. Which component converts DC electricity from a PV array into AC
electricity for household use?
A. Charge controller
B. Battery
C. Inverter
D. Combiner box
Answer: C. Inverter
The inverter converts direct current produced by modules into
alternating current compatible with utility grids and loads.
2. Solar irradiance is best defined as:
A. Total energy received per year
B. Power per unit area from the sun
C. Ambient temperature of the air
D. Module efficiency rating
Answer: B. Power per unit area from the sun
Irradiance measures instantaneous solar power (W/m²) striking a
surface.
,3. A PV module is composed primarily of:
A. Aluminum coils
B. Silicon solar cells
C. Copper plates
D. Lithium sheets
Answer: B. Silicon solar cells
Most commercial modules use crystalline silicon cells wired
together.
4. The purpose of a combiner box is to:
A. Store energy
B. Convert voltage
C. Combine multiple string outputs
D. Ground the inverter
Answer: C. Combine multiple string outputs
It merges parallel strings into a single output with overcurrent
protection.
5. Which factor most reduces PV output?
A. Low humidity
B. Wind cooling
C. Shading
D. High altitude
Answer: C. Shading
Even partial shading can dramatically reduce string current.
6. The tilt angle of a fixed PV array is typically chosen to:
A. Match the site latitude
B. Equal the roof pitch always
C. Face magnetic north
, D. Reduce wiring length
Answer: A. Match the site latitude
Latitude-based tilt maximizes annual energy production.
7. Which direction maximizes solar production in the Northern
Hemisphere?
A. North
B. South
C. East
D. West
Answer: B. South
South-facing arrays receive the greatest yearly sun exposure.
8. DC stands for:
A. Dual current
B. Distributed circuit
C. Direct current
D. Dynamic charge
Answer: C. Direct current
PV modules generate direct current electricity.
9. An off-grid system differs from a grid-tied system because it:
A. Uses no inverter
B. Requires batteries
C. Cannot power loads
D. Uses AC modules only
Answer: B. Requires batteries
Off-grid systems need energy storage when solar is unavailable.
10. Module efficiency refers to:
A. Voltage rating
, B. Conversion of sunlight to electricity
C. Heat tolerance
D. Panel durability
Answer: B. Conversion of sunlight to electricity
Efficiency is the percentage of solar energy converted into
electrical power.
11. Standard Test Conditions (STC) include which irradiance
level?
A. 100 W/m²
B. 500 W/m²
C. 1000 W/m²
D. 1500 W/m²
Answer: C. 1000 W/m²
STC specifies 1000 W/m² irradiance, 25°C cell temperature, AM
1.5 spectrum.
12. A charge controller is primarily used in:
A. Grid-tied systems only
B. Off-grid battery systems
C. Microinverter systems
D. AC coupling only
Answer: B. Off-grid battery systems
It regulates charging to prevent battery overcharge.
13. Which device provides overcurrent protection for individual
strings?
A. Disconnect switch
B. String fuse
C. Inverter
2026 UPDATE REAL PRACTICE EXAM 150
QUESTIONS & CORRECT ANSWERS | ALREADY
GRADED A+
Content covered (most tested domains): PV system
fundamentals, solar resource, system components, electrical
basics, safety, codes (NEC concepts), installation practices,
performance, maintenance, commissioning, and terminology.
1. Which component converts DC electricity from a PV array into AC
electricity for household use?
A. Charge controller
B. Battery
C. Inverter
D. Combiner box
Answer: C. Inverter
The inverter converts direct current produced by modules into
alternating current compatible with utility grids and loads.
2. Solar irradiance is best defined as:
A. Total energy received per year
B. Power per unit area from the sun
C. Ambient temperature of the air
D. Module efficiency rating
Answer: B. Power per unit area from the sun
Irradiance measures instantaneous solar power (W/m²) striking a
surface.
,3. A PV module is composed primarily of:
A. Aluminum coils
B. Silicon solar cells
C. Copper plates
D. Lithium sheets
Answer: B. Silicon solar cells
Most commercial modules use crystalline silicon cells wired
together.
4. The purpose of a combiner box is to:
A. Store energy
B. Convert voltage
C. Combine multiple string outputs
D. Ground the inverter
Answer: C. Combine multiple string outputs
It merges parallel strings into a single output with overcurrent
protection.
5. Which factor most reduces PV output?
A. Low humidity
B. Wind cooling
C. Shading
D. High altitude
Answer: C. Shading
Even partial shading can dramatically reduce string current.
6. The tilt angle of a fixed PV array is typically chosen to:
A. Match the site latitude
B. Equal the roof pitch always
C. Face magnetic north
, D. Reduce wiring length
Answer: A. Match the site latitude
Latitude-based tilt maximizes annual energy production.
7. Which direction maximizes solar production in the Northern
Hemisphere?
A. North
B. South
C. East
D. West
Answer: B. South
South-facing arrays receive the greatest yearly sun exposure.
8. DC stands for:
A. Dual current
B. Distributed circuit
C. Direct current
D. Dynamic charge
Answer: C. Direct current
PV modules generate direct current electricity.
9. An off-grid system differs from a grid-tied system because it:
A. Uses no inverter
B. Requires batteries
C. Cannot power loads
D. Uses AC modules only
Answer: B. Requires batteries
Off-grid systems need energy storage when solar is unavailable.
10. Module efficiency refers to:
A. Voltage rating
, B. Conversion of sunlight to electricity
C. Heat tolerance
D. Panel durability
Answer: B. Conversion of sunlight to electricity
Efficiency is the percentage of solar energy converted into
electrical power.
11. Standard Test Conditions (STC) include which irradiance
level?
A. 100 W/m²
B. 500 W/m²
C. 1000 W/m²
D. 1500 W/m²
Answer: C. 1000 W/m²
STC specifies 1000 W/m² irradiance, 25°C cell temperature, AM
1.5 spectrum.
12. A charge controller is primarily used in:
A. Grid-tied systems only
B. Off-grid battery systems
C. Microinverter systems
D. AC coupling only
Answer: B. Off-grid battery systems
It regulates charging to prevent battery overcharge.
13. Which device provides overcurrent protection for individual
strings?
A. Disconnect switch
B. String fuse
C. Inverter
