Practice Test Geeks(NABCEP) North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Solar Practice Test
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Module Technology Flashcards

7 cards from real NABCEP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 Module Technology flashcards as text

  1. How does increasing the number of cells connected in series within a PV module affect its electrical output?

    Answer: Increases open-circuit voltage proportionally while current stays approximately constant

    Series-connected cells add their voltages while sharing the same current, so more cells in series raises the module's Voc and Vmpp without significantly changing Isc.

  2. What is the function of the encapsulant layer (typically EVA) in a PV module construction?

    Answer: Optically couples the glass to the cells and protects cells from mechanical stress and moisture

    EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) encapsulant bonds the glass, cells, and backsheet together, optically coupling light into the cells while protecting them from humidity, oxygen, and mechanical damage.

  3. A monocrystalline silicon cell is typically identified by which visual characteristic?

    Answer: Uniform dark black or dark blue color with chamfered corners

    Monocrystalline cells are cut from a single silicon crystal, giving them a uniform dark color and characteristic octagonal shape with cut corners to reduce silicon waste.

  4. Under NOCT (Nominal Operating Cell Temperature) conditions, what is the standard ambient temperature and irradiance used?

    Answer: 20°C ambient, 800 W/m²

    NOCT is measured at 20°C ambient temperature, 800 W/m² irradiance, and 1 m/s wind speed with the module in open-rack mounting — conditions more representative of real-world operation.

  5. What does the fill factor (FF) of a PV module represent?

    Answer: The ratio of actual maximum power to the theoretical product of Voc and Isc

    Fill factor = Pmpp / (Voc × Isc), representing how 'square' the I-V curve is; higher FF (closer to 1.0) indicates lower series resistance and better cell quality.

  6. Which type of PV module technology typically has the lowest temperature coefficient for power output?

    Answer: Amorphous silicon thin-film

    Amorphous silicon thin-film modules have a lower (less negative) temperature coefficient (~-0.20%/°C) compared to crystalline silicon (~-0.35 to -0.45%/°C), giving them a relative performance advantage in hot climates.

  7. What is 'soiling loss' in the context of PV module performance, and how is it typically quantified?

    Answer: Power loss from dirt, dust, or debris on the module surface, expressed as a percentage of incident irradiance blocked

    Soiling loss is the reduction in power output caused by particulate matter on the glass surface blocking irradiance, typically expressed as a percentage loss per day or year depending on climate and tilt.