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
During a site assessment, the installer identifies that the nearest obstruction (a chimney) casts a shadow on the proposed array location during the critical solar window. What is the critical solar window?
Answer: 10 AM to 2 PM solar time on the winter solstice
The critical solar window is 10 AM to 2 PM solar time on the winter solstice, when the sun is at its lowest and shading is most impactful to annual energy production.
A site is located at 40° N latitude. For a fixed-tilt south-facing array optimized for annual energy production, the ideal tilt angle is approximately:
Answer: 40 degrees
For annual energy optimization, a fixed-tilt array is typically tilted at an angle approximately equal to the site's latitude, so 40° is the standard approximation.
What is the primary reason for conducting a load analysis as part of a residential solar site assessment?
Answer: To size the system appropriately to offset the customer's energy consumption
Analyzing the customer's electrical load data (utility bills) allows the system to be sized to match actual energy consumption, optimizing both economics and utility approval.
When assessing a site in a coastal environment, which additional consideration is MOST important for equipment selection?
Answer: Salt air corrosion resistance of mounting hardware and module frames
Coastal salt air accelerates corrosion of metal components; equipment with appropriate corrosion-resistant ratings (e.g., stainless steel, anodized aluminum) must be specified.
What is the purpose of reviewing historical utility bills during a solar site assessment?
Answer: To establish baseline energy usage for accurate system sizing
Historical utility bills reveal annual and seasonal energy consumption patterns, which are essential for accurately sizing the solar system to meet the customer's needs.
A site assessment reveals overhead utility lines crossing the proposed installation area. What is the MOST important immediate concern?
Answer: Safety clearance requirements and potential electrical hazard
Overhead utility lines present serious electrical shock and arc flash hazards, and NEC and OSHA require specific clearance distances that must be maintained.
Which NABCEP-recognized tool provides a fish-eye lens photo overlay to assess annual shading at a specific point on a rooftop?
Answer: Solar Pathfinder
The Solar Pathfinder uses a convex mirror and sun path diagram overlay to visually show obstructions throughout the entire year from a single vantage point.