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. What does the term 'solar window' refer to in the context of a site assessment?

    Answer: The unobstructed arc of sky through which the sun travels and delivers usable solar energy

    The solar window is the unobstructed portion of the sky through which the sun passes during productive hours, and obstructions within it reduce energy production.

  2. A site assessor identifies that the proposed location is in a fire hazard severity zone. What additional code requirement typically applies?

    Answer: Setbacks from ridges and edges must be maintained for firefighter access

    California and other jurisdictions require specific setback distances from roof edges, ridges, hips, and valleys in fire hazard zones to allow safe firefighter access and ventilation.

  3. During a site visit, the assessor measures an azimuth of 195° for the best roof surface. How would you characterize this orientation for a US installation?

    Answer: Slightly west of due south, generally acceptable with minor energy penalty

    195° azimuth is 15° west of due south (180°); this slightly west-of-south orientation is generally acceptable and may even benefit time-of-use customers who need afternoon production.

  4. What is the primary purpose of measuring the distance from the proposed array to the main electrical panel during site assessment?

    Answer: To calculate wire sizing and voltage drop for DC and AC conductors

    Conductor length between the array and panel determines resistance and voltage drop, which must be kept within code limits (typically ≤3%) and influences wire gauge selection.

  5. An assessor finds that a customer's property is subject to an easement. Why is this relevant to a solar installation?

    Answer: An easement may restrict structures or installations within the easement area, potentially limiting array placement

    Easements grant third-party rights over portions of a property, which can restrict the placement of structures like solar arrays within that area.

  6. When conducting a site assessment for a battery-paired solar system, which additional factor must be evaluated compared to a PV-only system?

    Answer: Available indoor or conditioned space meeting temperature, ventilation, and clearance requirements for battery installation

    Battery systems have specific installation environment requirements including temperature range, ventilation for off-gassing, and minimum clearances that must be verified during site assessment.

  7. A site's peak sun hours (PSH) value is determined primarily by which data source during a site assessment?

    Answer: NASA, NREL PVWatts, or similar solar resource databases for the geographic location

    Peak sun hours are derived from long-term solar irradiance databases such as NREL's PVWatts or NASA's SSE, which provide location-specific solar resource data used in energy production estimates.