REP Renewable Energy Technologies & Applications 4

Question 1

What is 'net metering' and how does it benefit a PV system owner?

Accepted Answer

A billing mechanism crediting customers for excess electricity fed to the grid

Answer

A method to measure total PV panel degradation annually

Answer

A technique to optimize inverter efficiency at partial loads

Answer

A utility program requiring smart meters on all renewable installations

Question 2

In offshore wind development, what is a key advantage of floating foundation systems over fixed monopile foundations?

Accepted Answer

Ability to access deeper water sites (>60 m) with strong wind resources

Answer

Lower manufacturing cost per unit

Answer

Faster installation requiring no specialized vessels

Answer

Reduced environmental permitting requirements

Question 3

Which pumped hydro storage characteristic makes it the dominant form of utility-scale energy storage globally?

Accepted Answer

Lowest cost per MWh of stored energy at large scale and long lifespan

Answer

Fastest discharge rate among all storage technologies

Answer

Highest round-trip efficiency of any storage medium (~99%)

Answer

Smallest land footprint per MWh of capacity

Question 4

What does the 'specific yield' metric represent for a wind turbine installation?

Accepted Answer

Annual energy production per kW of rated capacity

Answer

Cost per kW of installed capacity

Answer

Annual energy production divided by rotor swept area

Answer

Power output per unit of tower height

Question 5

In a solar resource assessment, what does a 'P90' energy estimate mean for project financing?

Accepted Answer

There is a 90% probability that actual energy production will meet or exceed this estimate

Answer

90% of panels will perform at rated efficiency

Answer

The project will reach 90% capacity factor in its first year

Answer

90% of capital costs will be recovered in the first decade

Question 6

Which renewable energy application best describes 'agrivoltaics'?

Accepted Answer

Co-locating solar PV panels with crops or livestock on the same land

Answer

Using agricultural waste biomass to generate biogas

Answer

Applying solar thermal energy to greenhouse heating systems

Answer

Irrigating crops using wind-powered water pumps

Question 7

What is the primary purpose of a 'power purchase agreement' (PPA) in renewable energy project development?

Accepted Answer

To secure long-term revenue by locking in the price a buyer pays for electricity

Answer

To obtain construction permits from local authorities

Answer

To negotiate equipment warranties with turbine manufacturers

Answer

To register renewable energy certificates with a tracking system