Q1.
Which section of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC)
primarily governs the installation of solar photovoltaic systems?
A. Chapter 11 – Energy Efficiency
B. Chapter 27 – Electrical
C. Chapter 3 – Occupancy Classification
D. Chapter 7 – Fire and Smoke Protection
Answer: B
Explanation: Chapter 27 of the USBC references the NEC and governs
electrical system requirements, including PV systems.
Q2.
According to the NEC, PV system disconnects must be:
A. Located inside the main service panel only
B. Accessible and labeled
C. Hidden behind protective panels
D. Installed underground
Answer: B
Explanation: NEC 690.13 requires PV system disconnecting means to be
readily accessible and properly labeled to ensure safety during maintenance or
emergencies.
Q3.
For small wind systems in Virginia, the most common zoning restriction relates
to:
A. Blade material
B. Tower height
C. Generator type
D. Paint color
,Answer: B
Explanation: Many Virginia localities impose tower height limits for small
wind systems, often tied to property size and setback distances.
Q4.
In solar thermal systems, which fluid is most commonly used for freeze
protection in Virginia climates?
A. Water only
B. Ethylene glycol mixture
C. Diesel fuel
D. Mineral oil
Answer: B
Explanation: A water/propylene or ethylene glycol mixture is commonly used
in closed-loop solar thermal systems in cold climates to prevent freezing.
Q5.
What is the minimum NEC working space depth in front of a PV inverter?
A. 18 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 36 inches
D. 48 inches
Answer: C
Explanation: NEC 110.26 requires a minimum 36 inches of working clearance
depth in front of electrical equipment.
Q6.
In geothermal closed-loop systems, the heat exchange fluid must:
A. Be flammable for efficiency
B. Meet environmental safety standards
C. Be stored in open containers
D. Contain chlorine
Answer: B
Explanation: The fluid must meet EPA and local environmental safety
standards to avoid groundwater contamination.
,Q7.
Which of the following is a net metering requirement in Virginia?
A. System must be over 5 MW
B. Must connect to the utility grid via approved interconnection
C. Must store all generated power on-site
D. Must be diesel-assisted
Answer: B
Explanation: Virginia net metering laws require approved interconnection with
the utility to credit excess generation.
Q8.
When mounting solar panels on a roof, what is the main structural concern?
A. Color matching shingles
B. Roof slope aesthetics
C. Load capacity and wind uplift
D. Matching the homeowner’s budget
Answer: C
Explanation: The roof must be evaluated for structural load and wind uplift
resistance per building codes.
Q9.
The term STC in solar module ratings stands for:
A. Standard Test Conditions
B. Solar Thermal Calibration
C. Static Thermal Conduction
D. Standard Thermal Coefficient
Answer: A
Explanation: Standard Test Conditions refer to lab-rated performance at set
irradiance, temperature, and air mass conditions.
Q10.
What does NEC Article 690 primarily cover?
A. Electric vehicle charging stations
, B. Solar photovoltaic systems
C. Biomass boiler installations
D. Wind turbine blades
Answer: B
Explanation: NEC 690 is dedicated to PV system requirements, including
wiring, grounding, and disconnects.
Q11.
In Virginia, who enforces compliance with the USBC for alternative energy
systems?
A. State police
B. Local building officials
C. The governor’s office
D. The contractor’s insurance company
Answer: B
Explanation: Local building officials review and inspect installations for
compliance with the USBC.
Q12.
Which OSHA standard addresses fall protection for rooftop solar installations?
A. 1926.502
B. 1926.501
C. 1910.305
D. 1926.453
Answer: B
Explanation: OSHA 1926.501 outlines fall protection requirements for workers
at heights.
Q13.
What is the primary advantage of a grid-tied PV system without batteries?
A. Lower upfront cost
B. Complete independence from utility
C. Off-grid emergency power
D. Increased fire risk
Which section of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC)
primarily governs the installation of solar photovoltaic systems?
A. Chapter 11 – Energy Efficiency
B. Chapter 27 – Electrical
C. Chapter 3 – Occupancy Classification
D. Chapter 7 – Fire and Smoke Protection
Answer: B
Explanation: Chapter 27 of the USBC references the NEC and governs
electrical system requirements, including PV systems.
Q2.
According to the NEC, PV system disconnects must be:
A. Located inside the main service panel only
B. Accessible and labeled
C. Hidden behind protective panels
D. Installed underground
Answer: B
Explanation: NEC 690.13 requires PV system disconnecting means to be
readily accessible and properly labeled to ensure safety during maintenance or
emergencies.
Q3.
For small wind systems in Virginia, the most common zoning restriction relates
to:
A. Blade material
B. Tower height
C. Generator type
D. Paint color
,Answer: B
Explanation: Many Virginia localities impose tower height limits for small
wind systems, often tied to property size and setback distances.
Q4.
In solar thermal systems, which fluid is most commonly used for freeze
protection in Virginia climates?
A. Water only
B. Ethylene glycol mixture
C. Diesel fuel
D. Mineral oil
Answer: B
Explanation: A water/propylene or ethylene glycol mixture is commonly used
in closed-loop solar thermal systems in cold climates to prevent freezing.
Q5.
What is the minimum NEC working space depth in front of a PV inverter?
A. 18 inches
B. 24 inches
C. 36 inches
D. 48 inches
Answer: C
Explanation: NEC 110.26 requires a minimum 36 inches of working clearance
depth in front of electrical equipment.
Q6.
In geothermal closed-loop systems, the heat exchange fluid must:
A. Be flammable for efficiency
B. Meet environmental safety standards
C. Be stored in open containers
D. Contain chlorine
Answer: B
Explanation: The fluid must meet EPA and local environmental safety
standards to avoid groundwater contamination.
,Q7.
Which of the following is a net metering requirement in Virginia?
A. System must be over 5 MW
B. Must connect to the utility grid via approved interconnection
C. Must store all generated power on-site
D. Must be diesel-assisted
Answer: B
Explanation: Virginia net metering laws require approved interconnection with
the utility to credit excess generation.
Q8.
When mounting solar panels on a roof, what is the main structural concern?
A. Color matching shingles
B. Roof slope aesthetics
C. Load capacity and wind uplift
D. Matching the homeowner’s budget
Answer: C
Explanation: The roof must be evaluated for structural load and wind uplift
resistance per building codes.
Q9.
The term STC in solar module ratings stands for:
A. Standard Test Conditions
B. Solar Thermal Calibration
C. Static Thermal Conduction
D. Standard Thermal Coefficient
Answer: A
Explanation: Standard Test Conditions refer to lab-rated performance at set
irradiance, temperature, and air mass conditions.
Q10.
What does NEC Article 690 primarily cover?
A. Electric vehicle charging stations
, B. Solar photovoltaic systems
C. Biomass boiler installations
D. Wind turbine blades
Answer: B
Explanation: NEC 690 is dedicated to PV system requirements, including
wiring, grounding, and disconnects.
Q11.
In Virginia, who enforces compliance with the USBC for alternative energy
systems?
A. State police
B. Local building officials
C. The governor’s office
D. The contractor’s insurance company
Answer: B
Explanation: Local building officials review and inspect installations for
compliance with the USBC.
Q12.
Which OSHA standard addresses fall protection for rooftop solar installations?
A. 1926.502
B. 1926.501
C. 1910.305
D. 1926.453
Answer: B
Explanation: OSHA 1926.501 outlines fall protection requirements for workers
at heights.
Q13.
What is the primary advantage of a grid-tied PV system without batteries?
A. Lower upfront cost
B. Complete independence from utility
C. Off-grid emergency power
D. Increased fire risk
