NABCEP Module Technology 3

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Increases open-circuit voltage proportionally while current stays approximately constant

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Uniform dark black or dark blue color with chamfered corners

Answer

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.

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

20°C ambient, 800 W/m²

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

(NABCEP) North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Solar Practice Test

(NABCEP) North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Solar Practice Test

NABCEP Module Technology 3