SE Engr. Solar Resource Assessment and Meteorology 3

Question 1

In probabilistic solar energy yield analysis, what does a P90 estimate indicate?

Accepted Answer

There is a 90% probability that actual energy yield will meet or exceed this value

Answer

P90 is the energy yield value with a 90% probability of exceedance, meaning there is a 90% chance actual production will be at or above this level—used by lenders as a conservative estimate.

Question 2

What is the primary advantage of on-site solar irradiance measurement over relying solely on satellite-derived data?

Accepted Answer

Higher temporal and spatial accuracy specific to the local microclimate

Answer

On-site measurements capture local microclimatic effects (e.g., coastal fog, valley shading, urban heat islands) that satellite data cannot resolve at fine spatial scales.

Question 3

According to IEC 61724-1, what is the recommended minimum duration for on-site solar radiation monitoring before commissioning a utility-scale project?

Accepted Answer

12 months

Answer

IEC 61724-1 recommends at least 12 months of on-site measurement to capture seasonal variability and validate satellite data for bankable resource assessments.

Question 4

A sun path diagram is primarily used in solar site assessment to:

Accepted Answer

Visualize the sun's position to identify shading obstructions and optimize tilt

Answer

Sun path diagrams plot the sun's azimuth and altitude throughout the year, enabling engineers to identify when and where obstructions will cast shadows and to optimize array tilt and orientation.

Question 5

The term 'insolation' in solar energy engineering refers to:

Accepted Answer

Cumulative solar energy received per unit area, typically expressed in kWh/m²/day

Answer

Insolation (incident solar radiation) is the time-integrated solar energy received on a surface, expressed in kWh/m² (or equivalent peak sun hours), and is the key metric for estimating PV energy yield.

SE Engr. - Solar Energy Engineering Certification Practice Test

SE Engr. - Solar Energy Engineering Certification Practice Test

SE Engr. Solar Resource Assessment and Meteorology 3