Practice Test Geeks(NABCEP) North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Solar Practice Test
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Site Assessment 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 Site Assessment flashcards as text

  1. When evaluating a rooftop for solar installation, what is the primary concern regarding roof age?

    Answer: Remaining useful life relative to the system's lifespan

    A roof with insufficient remaining life may require costly removal and reinstallation of solar panels before its replacement, so remaining useful life should match or exceed the system's 25+ year lifespan.

  2. What instrument is used to measure the angle of a roof slope during a site assessment?

    Answer: Inclinometer

    An inclinometer (or digital level) measures the pitch or angle of the roof surface relative to horizontal.

  3. A site assessment reveals that a proposed array location receives significant shading from 9 AM to 11 AM in December. What is the MOST appropriate next step?

    Answer: Use a solar pathfinder or software to quantify annual shading losses

    Quantifying shading losses with a solar pathfinder or simulation software allows an informed decision about system viability and appropriate mitigation strategies.

  4. Which of the following best describes magnetic declination and why it matters in site assessment?

    Answer: The difference between true north and magnetic north, affecting accurate compass-based azimuth readings

    Magnetic declination is the angular difference between true north and magnetic north, and must be corrected for when using a compass to determine array azimuth.

  5. What does a high albedo surface near a solar array indicate?

    Answer: Increased reflected irradiance that can boost bifacial panel output

    High albedo surfaces reflect more sunlight, which can increase the irradiance reaching bifacial modules and boost their energy production.

  6. During a site assessment, you discover the service entrance equipment is rated at 200A with a main breaker of 200A. The utility allows a 120% rule. What is the maximum allowable solar backfed breaker size?

    Answer: 40A

    Under the 120% rule, maximum OCPD = (200A × 120%) − 200A = 240A − 200A = 40A.

  7. What is the significance of identifying the utility interconnection point during site assessment?

    Answer: It establishes where the solar system will connect to the grid and informs equipment and permitting requirements

    The interconnection point defines the technical requirements for grid-tied connection, including metering, disconnect, and utility approval processes.