ERAC ERAC Renewable Energy Systems & Technologies

Question 1

What does the capacity factor of a solar photovoltaic (PV) system represent?

Accepted Answer

The ratio of actual energy output to the maximum possible output over a period

Answer

Capacity factor is the ratio of actual energy generated to the maximum energy that could be generated if the system operated at full rated capacity continuously, typically 10–25% for US solar PV.

Question 2

Which US federal incentive provides a tax credit equal to a percentage of the cost of installing solar, wind, and other eligible renewable energy systems?

Accepted Answer

Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Answer

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) under Section 48 of the Internal Revenue Code allows businesses to deduct a percentage of the cost of eligible renewable energy systems from federal taxes.

Question 3

In a wind energy assessment, what is the significance of the 'Weibull distribution'?

Accepted Answer

It statistically describes the frequency distribution of wind speeds at a site

Answer

The Weibull distribution is a statistical model used to characterize wind speed variability at a site, which is essential for accurately estimating annual energy production from wind turbines.

Question 4

What is 'net metering' in the context of on-site renewable energy?

Accepted Answer

A billing arrangement allowing excess renewable energy to be exported to the grid in exchange for credits

Answer

Net metering allows facilities with on-site renewable generation to export excess electricity to the utility grid in exchange for credits that offset future consumption charges.

Question 5

Which metric is most commonly used to evaluate the economic performance of a renewable energy project over its lifetime?

Accepted Answer

Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)

Answer

Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) represents the average cost per unit of electricity generated over a project's lifetime, accounting for capital costs, operating expenses, and total energy produced.

(ERAC) Energy Risk Auditor Certification Practice Test

(ERAC) Energy Risk Auditor Certification Practice Test

ERAC ERAC Renewable Energy Systems & Technologies