CEP Renewable Energy Technologies & Integration

Question 1

Which capacity factor range is most typical for utility-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in the U.S. Sun Belt region?

Accepted Answer

20–30%

Answer

10–15%

Answer

40–50%

Answer

60–70%

Question 2

What is a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) in the context of renewable energy procurement?

Accepted Answer

A long-term contract to buy electricity at a fixed or indexed price from a specific generator

Answer

A short-term spot market transaction for electricity

Answer

A federal subsidy program for renewable developers

Answer

An interconnection agreement between a generator and a utility

Question 3

Which federal tax incentive directly reduces the tax liability of a renewable energy project developer based on a percentage of qualified capital costs?

Accepted Answer

Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Answer

Production Tax Credit (PTC)

Answer

Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)

Answer

Accelerated Cost Recovery System (ACRS)

Question 4

What does the term 'curtailment' mean in renewable energy integration?

Accepted Answer

Reducing a generator's output below its available capacity due to grid constraints or oversupply

Answer

The scheduled maintenance downtime of a renewable plant

Answer

The process of disconnecting a generator from the grid permanently

Answer

Increasing renewable output to meet peak demand

Question 5

Which technology is primarily used to store electricity generated by intermittent renewables for later dispatch?

Accepted Answer

Lithium-ion battery energy storage systems (BESS)

Answer

Combined heat and power (CHP)

Answer

Demand-side management programs

Answer

Peaking natural gas turbines

Question 6

In a Virtual Power Purchase Agreement (VPPA), what does the buyer receive from the renewable generator?

Accepted Answer

Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) and a contract-for-difference on electricity price

Answer

Physical delivery of electrons at a specific site

Answer

Direct equity ownership in the renewable project

Answer

A fixed monthly capacity payment with no energy component

Question 7

What is the primary advantage of an onshore wind project over an offshore wind project in the U.S. energy procurement market?

Accepted Answer

Significantly lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) due to reduced installation and O&M costs

Answer

Higher capacity factors in all regions

Answer

Greater energy output per turbine

Answer

Access to larger federal subsidies