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

Utility-scale solar PV in the U.S. Sun Belt typically achieves capacity factors of 20–30%, reflecting the ratio of actual output to rated capacity over time.

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 PPA is a long-term contract in which a buyer agrees to purchase electricity at a negotiated price from a renewable generator, providing revenue certainty for project financing.

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

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows developers to reduce their federal tax liability by a percentage of the eligible capital cost of a qualifying renewable energy project.

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

Curtailment occurs when a grid operator instructs a renewable generator to reduce output below what it could produce, typically due to transmission congestion or excess supply.

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

Lithium-ion battery energy storage systems are the dominant technology for storing renewable electricity and dispatching it when generation is unavailable or demand peaks.

(CEP) Certified Energy Procurement Professional Practice Test

(CEP) Certified Energy Procurement Professional Practice Test

CEP Renewable Energy Technologies & Integration