NABCEP Site Assessment 2

Question 1

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

Accepted Answer

Remaining useful life relative to the system's lifespan

Answer

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.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Inclinometer

Answer

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

Question 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?

Accepted Answer

Use a solar pathfinder or software to quantify annual shading losses

Answer

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

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

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.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Increased reflected irradiance that can boost bifacial panel output

Answer

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

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

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

NABCEP Site Assessment 2