NABCEP Site Assessment 3

Question 1

Which document is typically required from the utility before beginning a grid-tied solar installation?

Accepted Answer

Interconnection agreement or permission to operate

Answer

An interconnection agreement or permission to operate (PTO) from the utility authorizes the customer-sited system to connect to and operate in parallel with the grid.

Question 2

A site assessment for a ground-mount system should include soil testing primarily to evaluate what factor?

Accepted Answer

Bearing capacity and suitability for pile-driven foundations

Answer

Soil bearing capacity determines whether driven piles, helical piers, or concrete ballast foundations are appropriate to safely support the array structure.

Question 3

When assessing a flat commercial roof for a ballasted solar array, which factor is MOST critical to evaluate first?

Accepted Answer

Structural dead load capacity

Answer

Ballasted systems add significant weight; the roof structure must be verified to support both the existing dead loads and the additional solar array loading.

Question 4

What is the purpose of performing a shading analysis using the Solar Pathfinder at multiple points across a proposed array area?

Accepted Answer

To identify spatially varying shading that could create mismatched string performance

Answer

Shading can vary across an array footprint, and identifying these differences is essential for optimizing string layout and mitigation strategies like optimizers.

Question 5

A site assessor notes that the proposed installation location is within an HOA-governed community. What is the primary action to take?

Accepted Answer

Review HOA covenants and local solar access laws to determine applicable aesthetic or placement requirements

Answer

Many states have solar access laws that limit HOA authority to prohibit solar, but HOAs may still impose reasonable aesthetic requirements, so reviewing both is essential.

(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 3