Frequently Asked Questions
Ask these during a
consultation or workshop!
(If you can't answer these,
you shouldn't be installing solar.)
(presented purposefully in a scrambled/random order)
1. "Where would I mount the solar panels/modules- on the roof or on the ground?"
2. "Can they really sometimes make my power meter spin in reverse?"
3. "How does the DC voltage from the panels/modules become AC voltage for my home?"
4. "Do I need a permit?"
5. "Are there any rebates or tax incentives in my area?"
6. "Why is one panel/module better than another?"
7. "What are some common mistakes made by solar do-it-yourselfers?"
8. "How do I first measure my monthly electrical need?"
9. "Does the power company really pay me when I bring in more solar electricity than I use?"
10. "Which panels/modules are better to use: 'thin' or 'regular'?"
11. "Do I want 'grid-tie' or 'off-grid'?"
12. "How big is each panel/module'?"
13. "Although America is a major user of solar electricity, what country uses it 7 times more than we do?"
14. "Why do solar panels/modules cost only about 50% of what they did 10 years ago?"
15. "Which voltage should I choose, and why?"
16. "What can I do to make the solar panels/modules more theft-resistant?"
17. "Why should I use 'stand-offs'?
18. "How much more power should I expect to obtain in the summer compared to the winter?"
19. "Where would I buy solar panels/modules, the racks to hold them, and any other needed parts?"
20. "What is the most important 'secret' about using the sun for home electricity?"
21. "Although America is a major user of solar electricity, what country uses it about 3 times more than we do?"
22. "What about cloudy days?"
23. "How many panels/modules do I need?"
24. "Do many solar panels/modules really have a 25-year warranty and are expected to last far longer?"
25. "Can I start with some panels/modules, and add more later?"
26. "What does 'PV' and 'photovoltaic' mean?"
27. "How much power does each panel/module produce?"
28. "Why is the mounting angle adjustment so important?"
29. "How does 'net-metering' work?"
30. "How much does each panel/module weigh?"
31. "How many hours of 'noon-time-sun-equivalent' sun will I receive each day?"
32. "Why have 'sun-tracking' systems become obsolete?"
33. "What inverters should I avoid?"
34. "Are the panels wired in series, or in parallel?"
35. "Why does solar use increase by about 25% every year?"
36. "What gauge and type of wire is best to use?"
37. "After accurately adding up my daily electrical need, why must I add 20% to that amount before choosing panels/modules?"
38. "How do I find the exact angle of my roof?"
39. "What are my 'peak sun hours'?"
40. "What is my exact longitude and latitude?"
41. "How do I make the solar panels/modules match the angle of the sun?"
42. "How will occasional shade affect it?"
43. "What is an 'energy audit'?"
44. "What is an 'array'?"
45. "How can I accurately measure the energy consumption of every appliance and power user in my home?"
46. "What are DWP's inverter requirements?"
47. "What are Edison's inverter requirements?"
48. "What are the safety issues I should be concerned with?"
49. "Do I need to leave space around the arrays?"
50. "Why are 'direct mounts' far-less preferred than RR mounts or SO mounts?"
51. "How does 'increasing the stand-off' help the system to perform better?"
52. "What is the difference between a 'dead load' and a 'live load'?"
53. "Anti-seize compound should be used on what parts?"
54. "What might you attach through the roof into the rafters?"
55. "How do you find the location of the rafters?"
56. "What is a 'strongback'?
57. "Is there importance to connector order?"
58. "BIPV, or CPV?"
59. "How do I measure 'azimuth'?"
60. "Which is my 'solar south'?"
61. "Which are my 'peak sun hours'?"
62. "Why do solar panels have anti-relective coating?"
63. "Although there are different sizes & shapes of panels/modules, how many cells are in a typical solar panel/module?"
64. "Are PV arrays normally grounded?"
65. "Which type of inverter is preferred, and why: sine-wave or modified sine-wave?"
66. "What is a 'DC Disconnect'?"
67. "What 5 countries are the main manufacturers of solar modules?"
68. "What is a 'C-46'?"
69. "What small sign must be near the power box if you are backfeeding from solar?"
70. "What are the 3 types of power utility companies?"
71. "What type (not size) wire is to be used for all DC wiring?"
72. "Why should you use stranded wire down to the inverter?"
73. "How many general contractors are in CA?"
74. "How many electrical contractors (C10) are in CA?"
75. "How many specifically solar contractors are in CA?"
76. "Why are solar modules covered with glass?"
77. "Why does the glass have anti-reflective coating?"
78. "What wind-rating should the stand-offs and rack have?"
79. "Should DC wires be double-insolated?"
80. "Can I use the solar terms 'panels' and 'modules' interchangeably?"
81. "What is 'Practical Test Conditions'?"
82. "What is 'BTC"?
83. "What type of 12-volt fuse is used?"
84. "How many watts does a 125-watt panel really put out under real-life conditions?"
85. "How many gloves per hand should be worn when installing solar?"
86. "How should the gloves be layered (in what order)?"
87. "What size wire should be used?"
88. "Is connecting to 2X3 rafters as good as 2X4 rafters?"
89. "What are the 2 main complaints about solar installations after completion?"
90. "What could you do with stand-offs to help reduce leaks?"
91. "If you install on non-south-facing roofs, what must be done?"
92."What do some fire laws say about solar panels/modules coming to the roof's edge?"
93. What wind-rating should the stand-offs and rack have?"
94. "What type of wire should be grounding all the panels/modules?"
95. "What should I know about zip-ties securing wiring from the panels/modules?"
96. "For cooler temperatures while installing on a roof, can I install at night in a residential area?"
97. "Why would I shorten the wires coming out of the panels/modules, using new connectors, instead of just bundling off the extra?"
98. "If an electrical circuit is said to be 'open', does that mean it has a load or has no load?"
98. "Are panels wired in series or in parallel?
98. "How many breakers should be used?
99. "What # breakers should be used?"
100. "What special breaker type should be used?"
101. "If the panels are mounted on a detached garage, should the inverter be on the garage and send AC wires over to the main house, or should you run DC from the garage to an inverter on the house?"
102. "If the panels are mounted on a detached garage, should there be a seperate ground rod at the garage?"
103. "Is it true that anything detached has to have its own ground rod?"
104. "Explain 'Ohm's Law'"
105. "What is the average weight of a panel, both in kg and lb?"
106. "Do panels bear a date of manufacture?"
107. "While Europe is 1000 volts, what is the maximum used in US for solar to stay under 'high voltage'?
108. "What are the 2 biggest portions of a C-46 test?"
109. "At the main panel, what 2 AC sources are in parallel?"
110. "Are panels/modules hooked together in series or in parallel?"
111. "In the term 'RMS voltage', what does 'RMS' stand for?"
112. "Is the inside of your home wired in series or in parallel?"
113. "What two things does the inverter syncronize?"
114. "What does the inverter's AC hook into?"
115. "If two 12-volt batteries are connected in series, what is the voltage?"
116. "If two 12-volt batteries are connected in parallel, what is the voltage?"
117. "What is 'V=IR'?"
118. "What is the voltage usually used for an off-grid situation?"
119. "When and where would a 'charge controller' be used?"
120. "What is connected in parallel with a PV panel/module to provide an alternate path in case of module shading or failure?"
121. "In a PV array, what is used to prevent current flow to a failed module, or from a battery to the PV array during periods of darkness or low current production?"
122. "What term is used to decribe the air around the solar panels/modules?"
123. "What is the name for a collection of electrically-connected PV modules/panels?"
124. "What types of California licensed contractors are permitted to install solar systems?"
125. "How many volts should a solar system be less than?"
126. "Facing the sun, at what degrees is sunset?"
127. "In PV use, what is the term that means the # of degrees from 'solar south'? (Note: this is the opposite of military training)
128. "If you have a C-20 license, what license is the easiest supplemental license to add so that you can install solar PV systems?"
129. "What two things does an inverter do to solar power before it meets grid power?"
130. "What term describes the time when an electrical wave starts?"
131. "What frequency (hz) is the AC as it come out of the inverter?"
132. "Describe the only type of power that the electrical company will allow to come from you into the grid."
133. "What is the expected shelf-life of most unused solar batteries?"
134. "What is the purpose of a 'fuse'?
135. "Air mass: what is the atmospheres rating of a typical solar panel?"
136. "How many times per cycle does 60 hz reverse itself?"
137. "AC from the grid: is it 'sine wave' or 'modified sine wave'?
138. "At the top of the AC wave, what might the highest volts be on a 120-volt system (the voltage peaks)?"
139. "Looking at a drawing of sine waves, what is the term for a peak-to-peak measurment?"
140. "Where does the term 'sine' come from?"
141. "Is 'RMS' an average or an exact?"
142. "What type of sound would a sine wave have if played through a speaker?"
143. "What hz is the electricity coming out of your house outlets?"
144. "Draw a DC wave form."
145. "Draw an AC wave form".
146. "In AC, what is the 'dirtiest' type of wave form?".
147. "What is a 'square wave?".
148. "What type of wave form did older inverters produce?"
149. "Can 'square wave' be fed into the grid?"
150. "Is 'square wave' compatable with all household devices?"
151. "What type of sound would a square wave have if played through a speaker?"
152. "What type of wave does a computer UPS produce?"
153. "When you move an electron, what does it generate?"
154. "What is a 3rd AC wave type, in between 'square' and ''sine'?"
155. "Does it produce AC wave more like 'square' or 'zine'?"
156. "If you combine two AC voltage sources, and their waves do not start at the same time, what would the wave be like?"
157. "What tool would you use to determine if a wire is energized?"
158. "What valve would open to relieve internal pressure in a vessel?"
159. "What is the approximate volume of water: if a hot tub is 5' in diameter and filled to 3" below the top of its 4' side?"
160. "What happens to panel/module output as its temperature increases?"
161. "In the middle of a hot sunny day, how many watts might a 100-watt module/panel be putting out?"
162. "In the dry season, the dirt & dust buildup on the panels/modules is expected to reduce output by approximately what percentage?"
163. "With dry-season dirt & dust buildup, combined with the heat from the middle of a hot sunny day, what is the expected output of a 100-watt module/panel?"
164. "What is 'module mismatch'?"
165. "What percent loss of system power is likely to occur due to module mismatch?"
166. "Resistance in wiring is expected to cause at least what percentage loss in system power?"
167. "What is the typical loss from the DC-to-AC conversion?"
168. "If you added up the typical or expected losses from mid-sunny-day heat, dirt & dust, mis-match, wiring resistance, and conversion, what is the expected output of a 100-watt module/panel?"
169. "What type of roofs often are already at the limit of their weight-bearing capacity, and would need to be structurally enhanced to handle the extra weight of a solar system?"
170. "What type of sealants should be used for all non-flashed roof penatrations?"
171. "What UL-rating should the solar modules/panels have?"
172. "What is a 'combiner'?"
173. "Would 24 modules/panels connected to each other, 180 watts each, be about 4 kw?"
174. "Does a grid-tie system usually have a built-in energy storage system?"
175. "If you think you might want to add modules/panels later, how should that affect your inverter choice now?"
176. "Inverters should carry what UL rating?"
177. "If you add a solar system to a home, dod you need to change the power meter?"
178. "Where should oily rags be stored?"
179. "Can temporary shade from a vent pipe or a chiminey affect performance?"
180. "How are solar modules/panels or their rack systems usually attached to tile roofs?"
181. "What is a 'GFI', and is this part of a solar energy system?"
182. "What is a 'shunt'?
183. "When should the local utility company be involved in the system?"
184. "What makes up the 'BOS' of a solar energy system?"
185. "What is the STC, the Standard Test Conditions, used for rating a solar panel/module?"
186. "What do the letters 'AHJ' stand for?"
187. "What is 'net metering'?"
188. "When is glycol antifreeze used in a solar home project?"
189. "
For a single year-round average setting, what angle should the panels/modules be angled at?"
190. "To have the panels/modules perpendicular to the sun in winter, what angle should be used?"
191. "To have the panels/modules perpendicular to the sun in summer, what angle should be used?"
192. "What wiring should be used so that the maximum voltage drop from the panels/modules to the inverter is less than the acceptable percentage?"
193. "What is the acceptable maximum voltage drop percentage from the panels/modules to the inverter?"
194. "What percentage of the output rating of a panel/module is allowed as a production tolerance?"
195. Are panels/modules wired in series or in parallel?"
196. "For gravity-draining in solar systems involving water, how much drop per foot?"
197. "Voltage-drop in a solar system is usually from what 3 items?"
198. "What type of shoes should be worn while working with the wiring of a solar system?"
199. "What type of inverter produces the lowest quality of AC power?"
200. "In a solar system that involves batteries, what does 'deep cycle' mean?"
201. "What are the three types of batteries typically used in an off-grid solar system?"
201. "In a battery cabinet, where are vents to be located?"
201. "What is the purpose of the required main disconnect?"
202. "What is the latitude of the Los Angeles area?"
203. "Is foilage a concern for home solar planning?"
204. "If needed, should a roof structure be augmented to bear the weight of a home solar system?"
205. "How should dissimilar metals be isolated from each other?"
206. "Can an adjacent structure cause shading worries?"
207. "What maintenance might a home solar system need in the future?"
208. "Materials used outdoors should be resistant to what?"
209. "Why is the viewing of a home's past utility bills important to do?"
210. "Amps X Volts= _____ ?"
211. "Can DC be stored?"
212. ""Can AC be stored?"
213. What do the letters 'UF' on wiring indicate?
214. "What is the biggest size that UF wiring is available?"
215. "How might wiring placed underground be more protected?"
216. "What is a 'phantom load?'
217. "Panel DC voltage should be less than how many volts?"
218. "Which uses 10 times the power of the other: a hair dryer or a 25" television?"
219. "What is the 'NEC'?"
220. "How many watts per square meter is considered 'full sun'?"
221. "California is one the states that requires that an AC disconnect be installed; where?"
222. "If in a marine environment, a rack made of what material should be used?"
223. "Wiring in between the inverter, the AC disconnect, and the inverter, is to be encased in what?"
224. "Will panels/modules typically put out more power on a sunny noon in winter or on a sunny noon in summer?
225. "Breakers for solar panels in the main power panel: what should be used?"
226. "What are these breakers wired to?"
227. "Typical average year-round setting angle for mounting panels/modules?"
228. "For slightly better panel/module output in winter, what mounting angle should be used then?"
229. "For slightly better panel/module output in summer, what mounting angle should be used then?"
230. "Which wiring punch-outs should be used for the wiring connecting the inverter, the AC disconnect, and the inverter?"
231. "Why should these punch-outs be used instead of the others?"
232. "What is the 'USEC'?"
233. "What are 'time-of-use meters'?"
234. "Load-protection should be at least what percentage of the maximum calculated current?"
235. "What type of utility provider is known as an 'ISO'?"
236. "When is electricity typically cheapest when from an ISO?"
237. "What is the most expensive material used in solar panel/module manufacturing?"
238. "For a home solar system, when should any permits be applied for?"
239. "What does 'avoided cost' mean in regards to solar power?"
240. "When using a striking tool, what protection should you wear?"
241. "What formula is used to convert celcius to farenheit?"
242. "DC current flows in how many directions?"
243. "AC current flows in how many directions?"
244. "Do any inverters have a built-in DC disconnect?"
245. "Glycol should not be used in systems that will be operating at over what temperature?"
246. "Are panels/modules typically grounded?"
247. "What is 'NEMA'?"
248. "When would the AC disconnect be used?"
249. "Main-panel breakers for the solar system are to be placed where in the main panel?"
250. "Why are the breakers to be placed at this location?"
251. "If there is no room in the main panel for breakers for the solar system, what are two options to correct this?"
252. "Can battery cabinets be vented to the interior of the structure?"
253. "To reduce voltage-drop over a long stretch of wiring, should the wire size be increased or decreased?"
254. "The broad plug on a household electrical item is attached to which wire?"
255. "What is the common main breaker for the solar system used at the main panel?"
256. "What two things can typically switch a circuit breaker to off?"
257. "What is different about a circuit breaker used for solar system use?"
258. "What is the maximum number of high-voltage strings allowed on residential roofs?"
259. "Everything DC for a solar system is rated at what maximum permitted voltage?"
260. "In Europe, what is the maximum for DC voltage?"
261. "Does each array or string have a fuse?"
262. "What is the maximum kw allowed on a residential solar system?"
263. "What maximum DC voltage do we usually stay at, as to not exceed the maximum permitted voltage?"
264. "Should electricity be considered to be dangerous?"
265. "To work on an electrical circuit, after you disconnect the power at the main panel, what should you do with the main panel?"
266. "If you touch two wires of different voltage, will you receive a shock?"
267. "What is '3-phase power'?"
268. "In most household wiring, the black and red wires at at how many volts?"
269. "In solar systems, the ground wire is usually of what two choices?
270. "How far is the ground rod sent into the earth?"
271. "What is 'PRE'?"
272. "What are the two common inverters used for residential solar use?"
273. "What injury is most common with solar panel/module installers?"
274. "What is an 'incentive program'?
275. "What should an installer be wearing while working on the roof?"
276. "Using the 'X 1.25' formula, what breaker would be used is the solar system can continuously supply 40 amps?"
277. "If working with batteries, what are some of the dangers?"
278. "What protective gear should be used while working with batteries?"
279. "Scaffolding must be at least how wide?"
280. "What percentage ot residential solar systems in the Los Angeles area do NOT involve batteries?"
281. "What items should be worn while working with normal house current?"
282. "Defibrilation: is that done with AC or DC?"
283. "If working with high-voltage electricity, what additionally should be worn?"
283. "At what milliamp is a shock likely to cause death?"
284. "At what milliamp is death probable?"
285. "What is the lowest milliamp that will cause a fuse or breaker to open?"
266. "What does a 1-milliamp shock usually feel like?"
267. "What does a 5-milliamp shock usually feel like?"
268. "What does a 50-150 milliamp shock usually feel like?"
269. "Is it usually easier to get off of an AC shock or a DC shock?"
270. "What is the cubic feet of water in a pool that is 20 feet long by 15 feet wide by 8 feet deep?"
271. "What is the formula used to determine the cubic feet of water?"
272. "What formula would you use to determine the amount of gallons of water in that pool?"
273. "How many gallons of water would that pool approximately contain?"
274. "What type of ladder should be used when working with electricity?"
275. "What guidelines are listed by 'SRCC'?"
276. Which is thicker wire: #4 or #6?"
277. "Is working on wet concrete bad when electricity is involved?"
278. "Does electricity seek out the path of least resistance or the path of highest resistance?"
279. "What is a 'GFCI'?"
280. "What rooms would a GFCI likely be installed in?"
281. "How does a GFCI work?"
282. "Where does Code now require that GCFIs be installed?"
283. "Does a GFCI protect persons and devices or just persons?"
284. "If installed incorrectly, or if your house is wired wrong, can a GFCI make things worse?"
285. "Does a GFCI require a dedicated neutral?"
286. "Does the load come into the top or the bottom of the GFCI?"
287. "What color is the neutral wire?"
288. "What color is the 'hot' wire?"
289. "What situation from another room can often cause a GFCI to trip?"
290. "Why should a GFCI be checked monthly?"
291. "The black wire from the panel goes to what side of the GFCI?"
292. "In a home solar system involving water, what is the maximum regulated PSI of water pressure allowed?"
293. "What is a 'GFI'?"
294. "Does a GFI protect persons and devices or just devices?"
295. "In Europe, what is a GFI known as?"
296. "Name an inverter made in Germany".
297. "Is it true that all inverters have a GFI in them?"
298. "What colors are a ground wire in Europe?"
299. "In the US, what is the colors of the wire required for a dedicated ground or a clean ground?"
300. "What is a very common brand of inverter used in Los Angeles residential solar projects?"
301. "If a solar installer falls off the roof, should you move him/her?"
302. "What is a solar electric 'Buydown Reservation'?"
303. "If somebody was shocked, is unconsious, and is lying across the wire, what should be done?"
304. "What can you use to move the wire?"
305. "Should you apply CPR if you can?"
306. "What is an 'arc fault circuit breaker'?"
307. "What is an 'inclinometer'?"
308. "If you are going to use a pole mount, what size hole should be dug?"
309. "What should be done to the pole, before the cement is poured, to help prevent wind-twist?"
310. "Discuss junction boxes."
311. "What is the average usage kW load for a home, no air conditioning used?"
312. "If it is determined that a home uses 4000 watts, how many watts of solar energy should be arranged for?"
313. "Based on that Los Angeles homeowners have about 5 1/2 hours of useable sun each day, how many 100-watt panels/modules would be used?"
314. "What is the name of the panel/module connectors in use on most residential solar systems of the past decade?"
315. "What is the name of the panel/module connectors replacing them now, per NEC?"
316. "What is the main difference between these two connector types?"
317. "Which connector is the negative: male or female?"
318. "Which connector type requires a tool to disconnect?"
319. "Should your tools have uncracked, insolated handles?"
320. "What type of hammer is generally non-conductive?"
321. "When would a solar installer use a non-contact thermometer?"
322. "Discuss differences between older solar panels/modules and newer ones".
323. "Describe the insulation used on solar DC wiring."
324. "What is a 'Wiggy'?"
325. "Is there a safety reason to keep one of your hands in your pocket when testing electrical items?"
326. "Do solar installers usually use a tool belt or a tool bucket?"
327. "A ladder is designed to have you climb it while carrying how many items?"
328. "What is a 'dead front'?"
329. "If a dead front is missing, what should you do?"
330. "What is a frequent difference in the overhead powerlines in a residential area and in an industrial area?"
331. "Can wiring be ran through a punch-out with nothing else involved?"
332. "When should an extention ladder be tied off?"
333. "If too small of wiring thickness is used, is this a fire hazard?"
334. "Can a white neutral wire turn brownish if overheated?"
335. "How do neutral wires get loose?"
336. "If a neutral wire gets loose, does it become a high-resistance or a low resistance?"
337. "What is the reason for having a grounded system?"
338. "What is a 'failure cascade'?"
339. "Describe BX wire."
340. "Generally, when was the third wire added to residential electrical wiring?"
341. "What residential wiring used porcelan insulators?"
342. "Where is the UL/Underwriters Laboratory located?"
343. "What is the purpose of UL's testing?"
344. "When did UL first test electrical devices?"
345. "What does an AFCI sense?"
346. "Since the 1950s, our US use of electricity has increased how much?"
347. "What is the average US home monthly electrical use?"
348. "What fire extinguisher would be used on an electrical fire?"
349. "What type of receptical outlets are required in new homes since 2008?"
350. "If 1000 watts of electricity is used for an hour, how much electricity was used?"
351. "In regards to electrical wiring, what is a 'raceway'?"
352. "In regards to electrical, what is 'P'?"
353. "In regards to electrical, what is 'I'?"
354. "In regards to electrical, what is 'E'?"
355. "What is an 'inundation map'?"
356. "Name two manufacturers of panel/module mounting racks."
357. "What manufacturer sells the most modules/panels in the US?"
358. "In regards to electrical wiring, what is a 'gutter'?"
359. "How many different voltages are allowed in the same raceway?"
360. "Are DC-disconnects used outside of the solar electricity industry?"
361. "What is usually inbetween the wall and the inverter?"
362. "In electrical, what do the letters 'PE' stand for?"
363. "What is a popular brand of inverters used for residential?"
364. "In an inverter, how often would you set the DC-range configuration jumper?"
365. "Usually what size are the knockouts on an inverter?"
366. "Are transformer-less inverters popular in the US?"
367. "Should an AC disconnect have an open knockout?"
368. "What does a typically-used AC-disconnect usually cost?"
369. "For solar use, should breakers be 'rated to be backfed'?"
370. "In solar equipment, what is a 'mate'?"
371. "In solar equipment, where would you possibibly find an RJ45?"
372. "Do solar systems ever use a 'lightning arrestor'?"
373. "What is a 'varistor'?"
374. "What is an 'SOV'?
375. "Used on some systems, what is the purpose of a 'charge controller'?"
376. "If a system uses a 'hub', what connects hardware to the hub?"
377. "Discuss the 'bulk cycle' of a system that uses batteries".
378. "Discuss the 'absorbing cycle' of a system that uses batteries".
379. "Discuss the 'float cycle' of a system that uses batteries".
380. "In a system that uses batteries, what is a 'MPPT'?"
381. "Discuss the story of Outback inverters."
382. "DC can be no higher than ___ volts inside a residence?"
383. "If a battery is overcharged, what gas does it produce?"
384. "What are the two components of AC impedence?"
385. "How many cells does a 6-volt battery have?"
386. "Can batteries be injured by heat or freezing?"
387. "What are common materials used to make flashings for standoffs?"
388. "What are two items in a home that are known for using a lot of electricity?"
389. "Solar panels/modules have two thin layers of what, inside the glass layers?
390. "When is the highest usage of electricity in California?"
391. "Pumps that require lubriction often fail, why?"
392. "What is 'OSHA'?
393. "What determines the operating current for all of the cells wired in that series?"
394. "In battery use, what does 'AGM' mean?"
395. "Could it be said that partial shading of a solar panel/module is like a kink in a garden hose?"
396. "If panels/modules are not installed at an angle equal to your latitude plus or minus 10%, what will happen?"
397. "What is a 'shading analysis'?"
398. "Is there a toilet requirement at job sites?"
399. "Can home-owner-associations restrict reasonable solar panel/module installation?"
400. "What is the 'Warren-Algust Act'?"
401. "What rating is used for rating batteries used with some solar systems?"
402. "What is a 'lock-out tag-out'?"
403. "Can a power line be fed from more than one source?"
404. "What might an extension cord being warm mean?"
405. "Should you work with an electricity in a damp area?"
406. "On average, at solar noon on a cloudless summer day, how many watts of energy reaches every square meter of the earth?"
407. "How tall must fencing be around an electrical transformer?"
408. "1 horsepower = _____ watts?"
409. "The starting-up of a device can require up to ___% of its nameplate current rating?"
410. "If a breaker has tripped, what does this indicate?"
411. "What are two things that a yellowed or browned neutral wire might indicate?"
412. "What usually goes wrong if you use cheap wire- nuts?"
413. "Is aluminum likely to corrode if within a mile or two of the ocean?"
414. "Can a 60-amp service panel in an older house be used for solar?"
415. "Do some devices store energy in themselves even after being unplugged?"
416. "Do solar panels/modules use grounding clips?"
417. "What is a 'Wiley Clip'?"
418. "Is an unbroken ground wire from one panel/module to each another required?"
419. "If you have to replace a bad module/panel in an array, would you cut the ground wire?"
420. "What electrical tools need to be grounded?"
421. "The use of GFCIs has lowered the amount of __________ dramatically".
422. "Is there such a thing as a 'portable GFCI'?"
423. "Where is a 'bonding jumper' used?"
424. "What are the three main types of chemical bonds?"
425. "What is 'quantum mechanics'?"
426. "How does an LED actually work the direct opposite of how a solar panel/module works?"
427. "Can we see ultraviolet light?"
428. "Can we see infrared light?"
429. "Which is a better conductor: copper, or a semi-conductor?"
430. "Does cell efficency increase or decrease with temperature?"
431. "What are 'strings'?"
432. "How might cable on the roof be protected from squirrels and other animals?"
433. "Which type of panel/module is slightly more efficient: monocrystalline, or polycrystalline?"
434. "Why should inverters not be in a dusty environment?"
435. "Cells connected in series are called ______?"
436. "If panels/modules are exposed to light, can they be 'turned off'?"
437. "Did some older panels/modules use screw terminals for wiring?"
438. "Are 'dummy modules' available?"
439. "How might wiring/cables be protected from abrasion?"
440. "Should DC cables be polarized?"
441. "Should exposed wiring/cable be in conduit when possible?"
442. "A common guarantee for panels/modules is that at 25 years, they will be putting out at least what __% of their original rating output?"
443. "What is a 'combiner'?
444. "A combiner involves multiple ______".
445. When can the protection offered by galvanizing be compromized?"
446. "Can bird-droppings on a panel/module affect its performance?
447. "Tell of some saftey measures used for working on a roof."
448. "Can arcing occur with a panel/module?"
444. "What is 'islanding'?"
445. "Are inverters expected to last as long as panels/modules do?"
446. "
All screws, nuts, and bolts used with solar hardware should be made from _________?"
447. "Without airflow under the backsides of the panels/modules, output can decrease up to __%?"
448. "If occasional shade on a module is unavoidable, what devise can assist?"
449. "Is it OK for the maximum out put of the panels/modules used exceeds the rating of the inverter used for them?"
450. "Will most panel/module manufacturers or sellers help with planning?"
451. "Can dirt accumulated at the bottom edges of the modules/panels actually cause shading that will interfere with output?"
452. "NEC requires that the array be 'bonded'. What does this 'bonding' mean?"
453. Why should the junction boxes on the back sides of the panels/modules be lined up?"
454. "Draw the symbol commonly used for grounding".
455. "Grounding wire used to connect panels/modules frames-to-frames is usually either bare or stripped wire of what size?"
456. "NEC says that the ground rod must be at least ___ in diameter".
457. "The two types of solar 'trackers' are ______________ and ______________".
458. "Why are there sometimes more than one string of panels/modules on a roof?"
459. "For the electrical feed from the drop at most homes, what size is the wire used?"
460. "What type of coated wire is most slippery, for sliding through conduit?"
461. "What device turns AC to DC?"
462. "What is an 'IV curve'?"
463. "Explain a 'hybrid system'."
464. "In a typical panel/module, how many strings of cells are there?"
465. "What does a 'rectifier' do?"
466. "What is the name for an electrical connection to earth?"
467. "What is the name for a group of solar panels/modules in series?"
468. "What is the name for a plot of current versus voltage?"
469. "What is the name of a semiconductor device which converts light into electricity?"
470. "Draw a diagram showing how a bypass diode works in a string of panels/modules."
471. "Does a diode allow electricity flow in one direction or two directions?"
472. "What is the difference between 'current flow' and 'electron flow'?"
473. "Which extension cord insulation is better: that marked 'S' or 'JS'?"
474. "What does 'S' and 'JS' stand for in extension cord insulatation?"
475. "Equipment rolled over an extension cord at a job site can cause small cuts to the cord. What danger does this pose?"
476. "When can wooden ladders become dangerously electrically conductive?"
477. "Should metal jewelry be worn while working with electric wiring?"
478. "What do the letters 'PPE' stand for?"
479."Is a 'portable' GFCI worth using at a job site?"
480. "How often should a GFCI be tested?"
481. "Nearly half of electrocutions come from contact with __________ __________ ."
482. "Is it same to use a 3-prong plug with the third prong broken off?"
483. "What is the name of electricity that flows only one way?"
484. "What is the name of electricity that flows both ways?"
485. "What device turns DC voltage into AC voltage?"
486. "What is the name of the junction box where electricity from multiple strings is combined?"
487. "What is a name for materials that do not conduct electricity well?"
488. "Do some hard-hats allow for neck shading?"
489. "Hard-hats made since 1997 for electrical work are marked __________ ."
490. "Hard-hats made before 1997 for electrical work were marked __________ ."
491. "Hard-hats made to protect you from impacts on the top of your head are marked _________ ."
492. "Hard-hats made to protect you from impacts on the top of your head and the sides of your head are marked _________ ."
493. "What is switch gear used to isolate the inverter?"
494. "In AC power, what word describes the number of cycles per second?"
495. "In panels/modules, the layer of silicon with boron added is known as ___________ ."
496. "In panels/modules, the layer of silicon with phosphorous added is known as __________ ."
497. "Which layer is a semiconductor that has an abundance of extra holes which have a positive electrical charge?"
498. "Which layer is a semiconductor that has an abundance of extra electrons which have a negative electrical charge?"
499. "Sandwiching these layers together creates an ___________ ___________ ."
500. "What is 'doping' of panels/modules?"
501. "Which type of electricity reverses direction occasionally?"
502. "If a solar system on a home is connected to the utility grid, it is known as _______________ ."
503. "Magnetism is caused by moving ____________ ."
504. "The entire utility company wiring system is known as 'the ________ '."
505. "Footware approved by ANSI for electrical work would be marked _______ ."
506. "This approval would be found marked on what part of the shoe?"
507. "What type of saw is usually used for cutting the rails to size for mounting systems?"
508. "After rails are cut to size, what gets knocked into their ends?"
509. "Which of the following is 'Ohm's Law': V=IR, I=V/R, or R=V/I?"
510. What type of current reverses direction periodically?"
511. "What are 'amorphous' solar panels/modules?"
512. "What is the main job of a solar energy system's inverter?"
513. "What is the difference between a solar 'cell' and a solar 'module'?
514. "Explain the possible site-specific losses of the local solar resource".
515. "Explain the possible site-specific losses of potential power outages".
516. "Explain the possible site-specific losses of local weather issues".
517. "Explain the possible site-specific losses of panel/module orientation."
518. "Explain the possible site-specific losses of shading".
519. "Explain the possible site-specific losses of panel/module installation angle."
520. "Explain the possible site-specific losses of soiling."
521. "Explain the site-specific losses of theft or vandalism."
522. "In the Los Angeles area, what is the standard 'tilt angle' used for panels/modules?"
523. "Do solar panels/modules have both poitive and negative layers?"
524. "The higher the altitude, the closer to the sun. The higher the altitude, the greater or lesser irradiance on the site?"
525. "Are contractor builders of new construction homes now required to offer a price on including a solar energy system?"
526. "In the north, do many homeowners with ground-mount solar energy systems adjust the tilt of the panels/modules four times per year?"
527. "During what hours of the day must there be absolutely no shading anywhere on the solar panels/modules?"
528. "In the summer, to increase the output of solar panels/modules, should their tilt be increased 15 degrees or increased 15 degrees from area latitude degrees?"
529. "Discuss the potential system production factors of voltage type".
530. "Discuss the potential system production factors of wiring losses".
531. "Discuss the potential system production factors of inverter types".
532. "Discuss the potential system production factors of panel/module tolerances."
533. "Discuss the potential system production factors of panel/module mounting hardware choices".
534. "Discuss the potential system production factors of panel/module types".
535. "Discuss the potential system production factors of panel/module mismatch".
536. "Amorphous panels/modules are approximately ___ percent efficient, while monocrystalline panels/modules are ___ percent efficent."
537. "What is the 'zenith angle'?"
538. "European inverters, have no transformer inside, are said to be about ___ percent efficient."
539. "US inverters, have a transformer inside, are said to be a little more or less efficient than European inverters."
540. "What is the 'grandfather rule' about trees that could cause shading of solar energy systems?"
541. "What is a 'string'?
542. "In a string, does current go through every cell?"
543. "When you add boron to silicon in making a solar panel/module, what type of silicon does that become?"
544. "When you add phosphorous to silicon in making a solar panel/module, what type of silicon does that become?"
545. "What is the name of the junction box where electricity from strings is combined?"
546. "Is this junction box installed between the panels/modules and the inverter, or installed between the inverter and the house's main electrical panel?"
547. "What is the main job of a 'rectifier'?"
548. "What word describes the number of electrical cycles per second?"
549. "What is an 'ampere'?
550. "What types of solar panel/module has no crystals?"
551. "Explain 'IV curve'."
552. "What is a 'watt'?"
553. "What do the letters 'kwh' stand for?"
554. "If a solar energy system is said to be 'off-grid', what does that mean?"
555. "Explain the potential power output loss of panels/modules mounted vertical and facing east or west."
556. "Explain the potential power output loss of panels/modules mounted vertical and facing south."
557. "Explain the potential power output loss of panels/modules mounted laying horizontally flat instead of near at latitude degrees."
558. "To assist firefighters, what might building & safety inspectors look for on the layout of roof-top solar panels/modules?"
559. "What are some advantages to choosing solar over some of the other energy alternatives?"
560. "Do solar rebate plans usually increase or reduce as time goes by?"
561. "At sea level during peak-sun hours, approximately how many watts of solar energy per square meter falls on earth?"
562. "Which type of light causes the biggest temperature rise of all light types?"
563. "What is 'convection'?"
564. "What is 'conduction'?"
565. "The peak-sun window in the Los Angeles area averages how many hours per day?"
566. "What moving parts are in a typical solar energy system?"
567. "Tell some positive points of mounting panels/modules on a flat roof".
568. "Tell some negative points of mounting panels/modules on a flat roof"
569."What exactly does a sun-path diagram show?"
570. "Name two tools for obtaining a very accurate sun-path diagram?"
571. "When you are using scaffolding, what should you use to access the tiers?"
572. "Wiring: the larger the gauge number, the bigger the wire or the smaller the wire?"
573. "#10 AWG wire can handle up to ___ amps?"
574. "#12 AWG wire can handle up to ___ amps?"
575. "#14 AWG wire can handle up to ___ amps?"
576. "#16 AWG wire can handle up to ___ amps?"
577."Give an example of an 'overcurrent protection device'."
578. "Do overcurrent protection devices protect equipment, or protect persons?"
579."Only circuit breakers marked ___ should be used as switches."
580. "What type of materials do not conduct electricity well?"
581. "Can an 'arc blast' involve molten metal?"
582. "How might you reduce exposure to live electrical parts?"
583. "What word is used to decribe the utility company's entire wiring system?"
584. "What can you keep with your extension cord to make it safer to use?"
585. "How often should you test a GFCI?"
586. "Where should overcurrent protection devices not be used?"
587. "What electrical conductors should you treat as energized?"
588. "If you work in a noisy environment without ear protection, what might happen?"
589. "How can you determine if a tool is truly double-insulated?"
590. "Describe the symbol used to indicate double-insulation of a tool."
591. "How many items should you carry up a ladder at one time?"
592. "When working with low-voltage electricity, what personal protection equipment should you wear?"
593. "What is the difference between a GFI and a GFCI?"
594. "Explain Building Integrated Photovoltaic systems."
595. "How might you anticipate future shading problems, that are not present now?"
596. "Should a breaker box use a double-pole 30-amp breaker for the solar electric feed?"
597."Is it true that solarhomes sell at up to twice the rate of non-solar homes?"
598. "What is a PPA / Power Purchase Agreement?"
599. "What is a 'SWH'?"
600. "Why is DSIREUSA.ORG an important website for solar installation?"
601. "What is likely to happen if you open (pull apart) the connection on the back of a solar panel/module while it is active (sun on it)?
602. "Do any inverters have both an AC disconnect and a DC disconnect built-in?"
603. "Do any inverters have the ability to accept input from more than one source?"
604. "What is the difference between 'STC' and 'PTC'?"
605. "How far is the earth from the sun?"
606. "How long does it take for light from the sun to reach the earth?"
607. "Explain the 'Inverse Square Law'."
608. "Which color of light is hotter: red or blue?"
609. "How much does a typical panel/module weigh per square foot?"
610. "As humidity goes up, does panel/module output go up or go down?"
611. "Is this humidity a problem in Los Angeles?"
612. "What do 'average seasonal declinations' define?"
613. "What does a 'solar isolation map' show us?"
614. "What is 'winter solstice'?"
615. "What is 'summer solstice'?"
616. "In summer, for optimal solar panel output, are the panels slightly 'laid back' or are they slightly 'lifted forward'?"
617. "Code in Los Angeles requires that panels/models be at least how many inches off the surface of the roof?"
618. "Give at least 3 examples of 'live loads' on a roof."
619. "Give an example of a 'dead load' on a roof."
. . . and many more!