Practice Test GeeksNABCEP - North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners Practice Test
← All NABCEP Flashcard Decks

PV System Mechanical Installation Flashcards

7 cards from real NABCEP practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.

Read the first 7 PV System Mechanical Installation flashcards as text

  1. When installing PV modules on a roof with asphalt shingles, what is the primary purpose of flashing around roof penetrations?

    Answer: To prevent water infiltration at penetration points

    Flashing directs water away from roof penetrations to prevent leaks and moisture damage to the building envelope.

  2. What is the maximum allowable deflection for a rack mounting system under design load conditions per most structural standards?

    Answer: L/240

    Most racking standards require deflection not to exceed L/240 of the span under design loads to maintain structural integrity.

  3. Which fastener type is preferred for attaching aluminum racking to steel purlins in a commercial PV installation?

    Answer: Stainless steel bolts

    Stainless steel fasteners resist corrosion and are compatible with aluminum racking without causing galvanic corrosion issues when properly isolated.

  4. A ground-mounted PV array is located in a region with a frost depth of 42 inches. What is the minimum embedment depth for the support posts?

    Answer: Below the frost line

    Support posts must be embedded below the local frost depth to prevent frost heave from displacing the structure.

  5. When using a torque wrench to tighten module clamps, why is it critical to follow the manufacturer's specified torque values?

    Answer: To prevent frame damage and ensure proper clamping force

    Over-torquing can crack module frames or strip fasteners, while under-torquing results in insufficient clamping force and potential module movement.

  6. What is the purpose of a 'mid clamp' in a standard PV racking system?

    Answer: To secure two adjacent modules at their shared frame edge

    Mid clamps are placed between adjacent modules to secure both frames simultaneously to the mounting rail.

  7. On a standing-seam metal roof, which attachment method is generally preferred to avoid roof penetrations?

    Answer: S-5! or equivalent seam clamps

    Seam clamps like S-5! clamp directly to the standing seam without penetrating the roof membrane, maintaining the roof's weather integrity.