Certified Energy Auditor Certification Renewable Energy Systems

Question 1

What is the 'capacity factor' of a renewable energy system?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of actual energy output over a period to the maximum possible output at full rated capacity

Answer

The percentage of renewable energy in a building's total energy mix

Answer

The efficiency rating of the equipment under standard test conditions

Answer

The ratio of installed capacity to the peak demand of a facility

Question 2

Which unit is used to measure solar irradiance?

Accepted Answer

W/m²

Answer

kWh/m²

Answer

BTU/hr·ft²

Answer

lux

Question 3

What is the primary difference between photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal systems?

Accepted Answer

PV systems convert sunlight directly to electricity while solar thermal captures solar heat energy

Answer

PV systems use mirrors to concentrate sunlight while solar thermal uses flat panels

Answer

PV systems require tracking mounts while solar thermal systems are always fixed

Answer

PV systems work only during peak sunlight hours while solar thermal stores energy for night use

Question 4

What are Standard Test Conditions (STC) for rating photovoltaic panels?

Accepted Answer

25°C cell temperature, 1000 W/m² irradiance, and AM 1.5 spectrum

Answer

20°C ambient temperature, 800 W/m² irradiance, and no wind

Answer

0°C cell temperature, 1200 W/m² irradiance, and AM 2.0 spectrum

Answer

25°C ambient temperature, 1000 W/m² irradiance, and 10% humidity

Question 5

In net metering, what happens when a facility's renewable energy system produces more electricity than the facility consumes?

Accepted Answer

The excess electricity is credited to the customer's bill at retail rates

Answer

The excess electricity is automatically stored in on-site batteries

Answer

The excess electricity is automatically curtailed to prevent grid overload

Answer

The utility purchases the excess only at avoided cost wholesale rates

Question 6

What is a Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC)?

Accepted Answer

A tradeable certificate representing 1 MWh of electricity generated from solar energy

Answer

A certification required for solar installers to work on commercial projects

Answer

A federal tax credit equal to 30% of the cost of a solar installation

Answer

A utility incentive program that pays a fixed rate per kWh for solar power production

Question 7

Which factor most significantly reduces actual PV energy output compared to STC-rated output?

Accepted Answer

Aggregate system losses including temperature derating, wiring, inverter efficiency, and soiling

Answer

Orientation angle deviation of 5–10° from true south

Answer

Variation in utility grid voltage throughout the day

Answer

Seasonal changes in daylight hours at the installation site