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;
has specific inclusions to verify plagiarism of material.
All content is copyrighted and not for outside use.)
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 positive 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."
620. "Why do some 2-string rooftop solar energy systems NOT use a combiner box?"
621. "Explain about panel/module output changes based on temperature."
622. "Discuss 'net metering'."
623. "When planning a solar energy system,, why shouldn't you install enough panels/modules to take in a lot more kwh than you can possibly use, if power companies are said to buy the excess energy?"
624. "The DC disconnect is placed before the __________ ?"
625. "The AC disconnect is placed before the __________ ?"
626. "Can some combiners handle input from 10 strings of solar panels/modules? 36 strings?"
627. "What is power company'time of use billing'?"
628. "How does power company 'time of use billing' actually benefit solar users more than standard billing?"
629. "To arrange 'net metering', what is the procedure?"
630. "Discuss distance between batteries and panels/modules".
631. "What wiring differences are there between batteries installed 25 feet from the panels/modules to those installed 100 feet from the panels/modules?""
632. "How many questions are found on any one version of the C-46 test?"
633. "How much time is allowed to complete the C-46 test?"
634. "What is the cost to take the C-46 test?"
635. "What is a 'battery array'?"
636. "What is a solar 'collector'?
637. "What type of connector is used to connect pieces of copper tubing together?"
638. "What type of connector is used to connect copper tubing to galvanized tubing?"
639. "Are there actual laws about 'net-metering'?"
640. "Can the existing meter be used for net-metering?"
641. "If you use two inverters, are they installed 'in series' or 'in parallel'?
642. "To strike an arc, how many volts are needed?"
643. "Explain 'Corona Discharge'."
644. "What is a 'roof-angle finder'?"
655. "What is a 'PPA/Power Purchasing Agreement'?"
656. "Not typically used by homewners, but what is 'CSP/Concentrating Solar Power'?"
657. "What is a 'peaking plant'?"
658. "Are peaking plants used more often in the daytime or in the nighttime?"
659. "Are peaking plants used more often in the summer or in the winter?"
660. "Describe a 'flooded lead acid' battery."
661. "Describe an 'AGM' battery."
662. "Describe a 'deep-cycle' battery."
663. "Discuss a 3000W inverter with 95% efficiency'."
667. "Should a solar energy installation company rep discuss all available PV options with customer?"
668. "What is a 'survey form'."
669. "What is a 'site evaluation form'?"
670. "How many solar-installation-inspectors does L.A. DWP have?"
671. "Who is the permitting authority in L.A.?"
672. "Do the two above sometimes disagree?"
673. "When might a 'rolling measuring tool' be used at a potential solar-installation site?"
674. "What might you use to determine a location's coordinates?"
675. "What are the best type of new customers to get?"
676. "What Internet site might a solar saleperson visit before actually visiting a site to be estimated?"
677. "What law passed in 2008 is about existing trees affecting solar use?"
678. "In CA, are there certain types of trees that are protected and can not be trimmed?"
679. "Are you allowed to 'prune' an oak tree?"
680. "Even if your truck does not touch the tree, why are you not allowed to park within the 'drip-line' of an oak tree?"
681. "Should you seek approval before cutting any tree?"
682. "What is the name commonly used for a 'utility-interactive home solar system'?"
683. "What is an example that a power company would say where a home has a 'critical load'?
684. "Should a 'critical load' item be put on a sub-panel?"
685. "Give examples of 'extreme weather'."
686."Up to what size hail-stones are most solar panels/modules rated to withstand strikes from?"
687. "Basic wind speed is approximately how many mph?"
688. "What wind-speed rating are panels/modules to be secured for?"
689. "If panels/modules are installed too high off the roofing surface, what is wrong with that?"
690. "Are amorphous solar panels/models also known as 'thin film' panels/modules?"
691. "Why are amorphous panels/modules considered much less desirable than monocrystaline panels/modules?"
692. "Can wiring run across the roof be affected by heat?"
693. "When rating a roof's weight-load capability, should you consider the weight of possible water or snow?"
694. "Is roofing of 2X3s 24 on center considered to be strong?"
695. "Can some patio roofs be too weak to install solar/panels/modules on?"
696. "Sometimes might it help to have a structural engineer to review & stamp your plan about roof load?"
697. "If you have two strings of solar panels/modules, how can this be wired without a combiner box?"
698. "Working on a steep roof, might you sometimes use a safety harness, toeboards, or a temporary rail?"
699. "Should you wear tacky shoes while working on a steep roof?"
700. "When working on a roof, do you need to balance accessibility and fall-protection?"
701. "What can cause damage to roof-top wiring?"
702. "Are 2x6 rafters, 12" on center, considered to be strong roofing?"
703. "What rafter measurement is usually used for slate roofs?"
704. "What does the power company consider to be the 'point of connection'?"
705. "Is the inverter to be installed outside and near the main panel and the disconnect?"
706. "Does code require this signage to be used: 'DC Disconnect', 'AC Disconnect', 'High Voltage DC'?"
707. "Can inverters be installed in parallel?"
708. "Can inverters be installed in series?"
709. "When choosing conduit to run, should you use a large-enough size to be able to add more wires later or to later increase the wire size?"
710. "Mounting of panels/modules: does code or fire department recommendations call for leaving at least 3' of clearance on sides?"
711. "Mounting of panels/modules: does code or fire department recommendations call for leaving at least 1 1/2' of clearance on top?"
712. "Mounting of panels/modules: does code or fire department recommendations call for leaving at least 3' of clearance from load-bearing wall?"
713. "What would connect 2 inverters together to synchronize them so they perform as one unit?
714. "What are the two main types of inverters?"
715. "Which type of inverter produces power most alike that of the power company?"
716. "Which type of inverter produces the 'cleanest' power?"
717. "Which type of inverter costs much more than the other?"
718. "Which type of inverter is 10-20% less efficient than the other?"
719. "Which type of inverter may cause a buzzing sound in speakers, lights, or fans?"
720. "If the power company's utility grid fails, what stops the grid-tied rooftop solar energy system from sending electricity into that grid, possibly electrocuting a lineman?"
721. "Explain the inverter term 'islanding'."
722. "Explain the inverter term 'anti-islanding'.
723. "UL Standard # ______ requires that an inverter not send electricity to the grid during a grid failure."
724. "Is an inverter supposed to shut down its connection to the grid during a grid failure?"
725. "Are flooded batteries vented?"
726. "In a battery room, are light switches allowed?"
727. "What type of light fixtures are to be used in a battery room?"
728. "How might you prepare batteries for the possibility of an earthquake?"
729. "NEC requires ___' of clearance in front of the inverter."
730. "Discuss 'magnetic declination'.
731. "For roofs that do not face south, one option is to rotate the PV rack to orient the modules south. What are disadvantages to this?"
732. "How can you further strengthen mounting racks against wind damage?"
733. "If you open a combiner box, is there danger that some terminals are energized?"
734. "In cold weather, could exposed terminals and busbars in a combiner box reach 600 volts on some systems?"
735. "Discuss EMT / Electrical Metallic Tubes."
736. "What might electrical wires on a rooftop be encased in to protect them from heat, wetness, rodents, and UV?"
737. "True or False: the DC disconnect should be installed in a readily accessible location, either inside or outside the building, at the first penetration of the conductors?"
738. "Should the disconnect at a residence be located within sight of the service panel?
739. "Should there be a warning on the DC disconnect?"
740. "Is it true that the load terminals at the inverter's DC input may still be energized for up to 5 minutes after the disconnct is opened, as capacitors in the inverter are generally discharged?"
741. "Name at least one brand of security hardware for making the panels/modules more theft-resistant."
742. "Name at least 3 brands of inverters."
743. "Name at least 3 brands of solar panels/modules."
744. "Name at least 3 brands of BIPV materials."
745. ""Name at least 3 brands of adjustable racks for panel/module installation."
746. "Can generators be installed & used in the battery room?"
747. "What is an 'ufer ground'?"
748. "On roof rack installations, might mounting hardware (stand-offs, L-feet) allow rain water leaks that lead to interior mold problems?"
749. "What is another name used for stand-offs?"
750. "What can be added to stand-offs to reduce the chance of water infiltration?"
751. "The rails of most roof-top mounting systems are made of ___________ ___________."
752. "What do some combiners use for overcurrent protection?"
753. "Does a solar water heater use storage tank(s)?"
754. "Can a solar water heater involve a heat exchange?"
755. "Does the SWH's pump run when fluid temperature at the collector exceeds the temperature at the bottom of the storage tank?"
756. "Can a SWH be a 'double-circuit system'?"
757. "Can insulation blankets on SWH storage tanks recover their cost in one year?"
758. "What item can you use to help eliminate 'phantom loads'?"
759. "What is a 'string inverter'?"
760. "If a rack system to hold solar panels/models is know as a 'top-down type', what does that mean?"
761. "Discuss THW wire."
762. "Discuss UF wire".
763. "On a roof, are snow and rain examples of 'live loads' oe 'dead loads'?"
764. "On a roof, are solar panels/modules examples of 'live loads' or 'dead loads'?"
765. "On a tile roof, what is the best way to attach the modules/panels?"
766."On a metal roof, what is the best way to install panels/modules?"
767. "Where is the DC disconnect wired?"
768. "Where is the AC disconnect wired?"
769. "When code differs between local, state, and national, which do you follow?"
770. "On what side of the house would most inverter manufacturers prefer their product be installed?"
771. "Up to what percentage can conduit be filled with wire before bigger conduit is required?"
772. "Discuss valves used in a SWH (solar water heater) system."
773. "Which type of solar panel has a darker blue appearance?"
774. "Which type of solar panel has a lighter-blue appearance?"
775. "Which type of solar panel has a very dark appearance?"
776. "What connects the inverter to the disconnects?"
777. "Is it true that 1/3 of the world has no access to electricity?"
778. "Discuss how a home might use 'passive' solar energy use."
779. "Discuss how a home might use 'active' solar energy use."
780. "What are the two main types of active solar energy use?"
781. "What is the usual 'payback time' on a solar water heating system?"
782. "Which has a higher efficiency rate: PV or SWH?"
783. "Is energy from the sun considered to be predictable, reliable, and constant?"
784. "What are the environmental risks of using solar energy?"
785. "____________ panels/modules are more efficient thus requiring a little less roof area than ____________ panels/modules."
786. "What type of panel/module has a 'shimmering blue' appearance?"
787. "Charge-controllers are part of what type of system?"
788. "On a typical 25 year panel/module warranty, what is the manufacturer warrantying that the panel/module will be doing in 25 years?"
789. "Joints in copper tubing shall be made with __________ or _______________ fittings."
790. "If a job costs more than $____ , a license is required."
791. "How much can a contractor charge when a contract is signed?"
792. "Explain how to calculate, watts, volts, or amps, when you know only the other ones."
793. "Describe different types of 'grounds' involved in solar work."
794. "What is an 'OCPD'?"
795. "Are strings of panels/modules connected in series or in parallel?"
796. "Strings are (choose one: paralled / serialed) at the combiner box."
797. "Are modules connected in series or in parallel?"
798. "In small home solar energy systems, might fuses be found in the inverter?"
799. "Wire colors in the combiner box: hot leads are __________ , and the neutral wire is __________ ."
800. "What is ACORE?"
801. "What website rates virtually all panels/modules and inverters?"
802. "California Public Utilities Commission or California Energy Commission: which one is involved with rebates for solar for existing homes?"
803. "California Public Utilities Commission or California Energy Commission: which one is involved with rebates for solar for new construction?"
804. "California Public Utilities Commission or California Energy Commission: which one has a list of eligible approved modules and inverters?"
805. "Before the above state agency can approve a panel/module or an inverter, it must first be approved by __________ ?"
806."The newest CA Underwriter's Laboratory is located in _______________ ."
807. "STC, Standard Test Conditions, are done at what temperature at the module/panel and at _____ atmospheres of light?"
808. "STC x _____ = PTC."
809. "What is PVUSA?"
810. "Monocrystalline panels/modules are typically ___-___% efficient."
811. "Polycrystalline aka multicrystalline panels/modules are typically ___-___% efficient."
812. "Amorphous panels/modules are typically ___-___% efficient."
813. "What panel/module type is the lowest price?"
814. "Is cell effiency higher than module effiency?"
815."If some cells have 20% efficiency, why doesn't the module/panel it is in have 20% efficiency?"
816. "Is the combiner box grounded?"
817. "To reduce a 2-string system by one component, by eliminating the combiner box, what special inverter type can be used?"
818. "Do most Los Angeles area solar installers use lightning arresters?"
819. "What are 'PV array junction boxes' also known as?"
820. "What type of system uses a 'synchronous' inverter?"
821. "True or false: All solar wiring on the roof, except that right under the panels/modules, is to be in conduit."
822. "True or false: Conduit on the rool is usually thin-wall or rigid."
823. "True or false: Some inspectors allow flex conduit on the roof."
824. "True or false: Some cities require pvc to be used as conduit on the roof".
825. "What are the advantages, and disadvantages, of using PVC for roof conduit?"
826. "Before submitting drawings, can you sometimes ask an inspector what they require?"
827. "If dirt or debris covers 10% of a panel/module, what percentage of output loss can this cause?"
828. "EMT conduit: what do the letters EMT stand for?"
829. "Is EMT conduit steel or is it aluminum?"
830. " Is EMT conduit thin-wall or is it thickwall?"
831. "Is EMT galvanized?"
832. "What is the main difference between 'active' and 'passive' SWH (solar water heating) systems?"
833. "Are some SWH systems 'one-tank' systems and some 'two-tank'?"
834. "In two-tank SWH systems, what heats the water before it enters the conventional water heater?"
835. "Which type of SWH system has a circulating pump and controls?"
836. "What are the two types of active SWH systems?"
837. "Does the SWH storage tank need to be well-insulated?"
838. "What is a SWH 'collector'?"
839. "What are the 3 types of collectors used in home SWH systems?"
840. "What is the difference between 'direct' and 'indirect' SWH circulation systems?"
841. "What are the two types of passive SWH systems?"
842. "What is a 'heat exchanger' in a SWH system?"
843. "What is a 'flat-plate' collector?"
844. "Explain a 'thermosyphon' system."
845. "Which SWH system is more expensive?"
846. "Which SWH system is usually more efficient?"
847. "Do SWH storage tanks have an additional outlet and inlet connected to and from the collector?"
848. "In one-tank SWH systems, is the back-up heater combined with the solar storage in one tank?"
849. "What is an 'ICS' SWH system?"
850. "What is an 'orphan' SWH system?"
851. "What are 'evacuated-tube' solar collectors?"
852. "Although heat exchangers can be made of steel, copper, bronze, stainless steel, aluminum, or cast iron, which is usually preferred for SWH systems?"
853. "Why is this the preferred choice of metal for an SWH heat exchanger?"
854. "In regards to electrical work, what does 'de-rate' mean?"
855. "Discuss: Because it is hot on a roof, amperage of roof-top wiring needs to be de-rated'.
856. "Exceeding ___% of conduit volume with wiring means that it is time to use bigger conduit instead."
857. "Because a combiner box is in the sun, in the heat, will it function different in the heat to the point where de-rating needs to happen?"
858. "Do some breakers not trip at the correct value?"
859. "What mounting location is preferred by most inverter manufacturers?"
860. "If an inverter has a fan for cooling, it is 'convection-cooled'?"
861. "PV panels/modules are connected electrically to form an _________ ."
862. "What is the primary power-generating source and principal in any PV system?"
863. "Combiner box: does it connect the cables coming from the module strings together in parallel or in series?"
864. "Can you test module strings from the combiner box?"
865. "Is the combiner box insulated or is it double-insulated?"
866. "If there are several inverters, is a combiner box required for each?"
867. "If the inverter also incorporates the main DC disconnect, where must the inverter be mounted?"
868. "Is a DC disconnect always required?"
869. "Is a combiner box always required?"
870. "All screws and nuts & bolts should be made from _______________ ."
871. "Heat build-up under modules can reduce output by ____ %."
872. "Generally, does installation of a PV array on a roof increase the risk of a lightning strike?"
873. "Do some insurance companies require lightning protection?"
874. "If a battery system, can you damage the batteries if a charge-controller is not used?"
875."Explain 'auxilliary load' as in connection to a battery system."
876. "A ___________ short-circuits a shaded cell or module and allows the current to by-pass it."
877. "Cells in a module/panel are connected in series or in parallel?"
878. "Modules/panels are connected in series or in parallel?"
879. "If an individual cell is shaded, does it become a closed circuit or an open circuit?"
880. "If an individual cell is shaded, is this a very low-resistance situation or a very high-resistance situation?"
881. "Do modern panels/modules use a 'blocking diode'?"
882. "If modules are said to be mounted in 'landscape position', is this standing up on its small end or laying down on its long end?"
883. "What is 'solar irradiance'?"
884. "SWH / solar water heaters: name the various types of heat-transfer fluids."
885. "What is a fluid's 'coefficient of expansion'?"
886. "Which module/panel type is more efficient: mono, or poly?"
887. "Which module/panel type is more efficient: mono, or amorphous?"
888. "Why is the N portion of a panel/module on the top?"
889. "What is a fluid's 'viscosity'?"
890. "What is a fluid's 'thermal capacity'?"
891. "What are the 3 kinds of solar radiation?"
892. "What is 'diffused' radiation?"
893. "What is 'albedo' radiation?"
894. "What is 'direct' radiation?"
895. "Which silicon has boron added: P-type, or N-type?"
896. "Which silicon has phosporous added: P-type, or N-type?"
897. "____crystalline silicon wafers are sawn from grown cylindrical ingots."
898. "____crystalline silicon wafers are sawn from cast rectangular ingots."
899. "What is the definition of a liquid's 'freezing point'?
900. "What is the definition of a liquid's 'boiling point'?
901. "What is the definition of a liquid's 'flash point'?
902. "Which fluid is easier to pump, and why: low viscosity/high specific heat, or high viscosity/low specific heat?"
903. "What does an 'IV curve' illustrate?"
904. "Electrical: what does 'I' stand for?"
905. "Electrical: what does 'V' stand for?"
906. "Electrical: what does 'ISC' stand for?"
907. "Electrical: what does 'VOC' stand for?"
908. "Electrical: what does 'IMP' stand for?"
909. "Electrical: what does 'VMP' stand for?"
910. "Why is knowing the IMP needed?"
911. "Does panel/module voltage go up or go down on a cold day?"
912. "Do European inverters have transformers?"
913. "Diagram: a power curve against a voltage curve shows the maximum ________ ________."
914. "On such a diagram, what does the 'fill factor' represent?"
915."In a cold climate, do SWH systems require fluids with low freezing points or high freezing points?"
916. "Fluids exposed to high temperatures, like a desert climate, should have a low boiling point or a high boiling point?"
917. "What is the word used to describe the measure of how effectively a PV device converts solar power to electrical power?"
918. "In the morning hours, does panel/module voltage increase somewhat rapidly?"
919. "Does panel/module current increase proportionally with irradiance?"
920. "Does increasing cell temperature decrease voltage or increase voltage?"
921. "What is an 'array'?"
922. "Several modules may be connected together to form _________."
923. "Discuss the junction box found on the back of a panel/module."
924. "To build voltage, are cells typically connected in series or in parallel?"
925. "To build voltage, are panels/modules typically connected in series or in parallel?"
926. "If two panels/modules are connected in series, what doubles?"
927. "True or false: strings of PV panels/modules may be connected in parallel to build current, but it is usually done in series?"
928. "Can a DC arc cause a weld?"
929. "Is 120 volts DC the same as 120 volts AC?"
930. "Can 12 volt panels/modules on an RV be in parallel?"
931. "Do some panels/modules have inverters on the panels/modules themselves?"
932. "If a rooftop panel/module has its own inverter built on, is it generating DC or AC on the roof?"
933. "If panels/modules have their own inverters, would an inverter be needed near the home's main power panel?"
934. "For commercial buildings, do fire codes generally __ feet of clearance is required around arrays and at the roof's peak and bottom."
935. "_________________ allow current to flow around devices that develop an open-circuit or high-resistance condition."
936. "Do some older panels/modules have terminal strips instead of cables?"
937. "_________________ prevent a large breakdown voltage from allowing a PV device to dissipate a large amount of power."
938. "When writing a proposal for a client, should you include derations in writing?"
939. "What do the letters 'PURPA' stand for?"
940. "Discuss PURPA."
941. "True or False: You choose the fuse to use based on the panel/module rated short-circuit data."
942. "If the panel/module short-circuit rating is 7.5 amps, what fuse should be used?"
943. "Panel/module nameplates, bearing all important information about it, can be found where?"
944. "Might a nameplate include wording such as 'Copper only, 12 awg minimum, insulated for 75c minimum'?"
945. "What is a 'raceway'?"
946. "'What components make up a 'metallic raceway'?"
947. "Can solar source circuits (DC) and solar output circuits (AC) be contained together in the same raceway?"
948. "When inside a building, what must solar wiring be contained in?"
949. "Why do some residences with solar energy systems have 2 AC disconnects?"
950. "What is 'magnetic declination'?"
951. "Explain how a 'sun path calculator' works."
952. "What is an 'energy audit'?"
953."What is a 'sun path'?"
954. "Explain 'radiation'.
955. "What is 'insolation' (not 'insulation')?"
956. "What is a 'photon'?"
957. "What is a 'solar constant'?"
958. "Discuss the steps involved in a 'site survey'."
959. "What is a 'multi-junction cell'?"
960. "In SWH, what is an 'isolation valve'?
961. "In SWH, when using toxic heat-transfer fluid, must a double-walled exchanger be used?"
962. "In SWH, on an open-loop system, are the tanks above the collectors or are they below the collectors?"
963. "In SWH, do 'passive systems' provide hot water during mornings?"
964. "Does a thermosyphon SWH system use a pump?"
965. "Testing solar PV modules/panels, Standard Test Conditions reference '1.5'. What is this?"
966. "Explain 'NOC / Nominal Test Conditions'."
967. "Is ethylene glycol toxic?"
968. "Is propylene glycol toxic?"
969. "Why is glycol used in SWH systems?"
970. "Which type of glycol is also used with automobiles?"
971. "Southern climates typically use a ___% glycol solution."
972. "Why is propylene the preferred glycol for SWH?"
973. "Compared to ethylene glycol, is more propylene or less propylene needed to achieve the same freezing point?"
974. "Do some ares specify which type of glycol to use?"
975. "What is a home energy system called if it includes two power sources other than the utility company?"
976. "What is an 'MPPT'?
977. "Explain how an MPPT works."
978. "How is 'peak sun' determined?"
979. "What is the term used for the time exactly halfway between sunrise and sunset?"
980. "What is a 'solar azmuth angle'?"
981. "Explain 'array tilt angle'."
982. "Discuss 'multi-junction cell'."
983. "Why is a solar 'island' situation dangerous?"
984. "What is a 'hybrid system'?"
985. "What is 'solar noon'?
986. "What is an 'array azmuth angle'?"
987. "What is the term used to describe the approximate peak solar irradiance at the earth's surface?"
988. "What is the approximate irradiance at peak sun?"
989. "Explain 'NOCT'."
990. "True or False: Photons have almost no mass but they have momentum."
991. "What is the term used to describe the total sunlight received during a day, divided by 1000 watts/m-squared?"
992. "Does the earth's tilt cause the path of the sun across the sky to be different every day?"
993. "What are the 3 forms of solar radiation at the earth's surface?"
994. "If you want to use your home solar energy system during a grid outage, what piece of hardware must be used?"
995. "For maximum annual energy production, should the orientation of the panels/modules be oriented azimuth true solar south and tilt angle at latitude?"
996. "What is the term used to descibe the verticle angle between horizontal and the panel/module surface?"
997. "Discuss 'NOC'."
998. "What is a 'performance meter'?"
999. "How is the term '3-foot setback' involved in panel/module installation?"
1000. "If the qualified person in a C-46 corporation leaves the business, how does that affect the other persons involved in the corporation?"
1001. "What is a 'uni-strut'?"
1002. "How might you help a client estimate the number of panels/modules needed?"
1003. "What is the term used to describe the solar energy that reaches the earth's surface in one day, expressed in peak sun hours?"
1004. "Are the 3 states with the highest insolation really Arizona, California, and New Mexico?"
1005. "True or False: Net-metering allows user to get full retail value for the excess power the PV system makes during the day when home used less than it made."
1006. "Do some states have a sales-tax exemption for solar equipment?"
1007. "Should you talk to building inspectors before buying any solar equipment?"
1008. "How many layers of roofing shingles are allowed in most areas?"
1009. "What is the term used to describe electrical devices inside a home that appear to be off but are really still drawing power?"
1010. "What is the typical weight of a solar array per square foot?"
1011. "How does the typical weight of a solar array per square foot compare to the the typical weight of one layer of shingles?"
1012. "What is the term used to describe the downward force from the weight of snow?"
1013. "What article of the National Electrical Code is specifically about photovoltaic?"
1014. "What does the term 'PV source circuit' mean?"
1015. "What does the term 'PV output circuit' mean?"
1016. "True or False: 'Maximum PV source circuit voltage' is the sum of the rated open circuit of the series-connected PV modules corrected for the lowest expected ambient temperature."
1017. "True or False: 10% shading of a PV array can cause a 50% loss of output."
1018. "Maximum rooftop system voltage on a home is to be less than ____ volts."
1019. "In electical wiring, what does the term 'home run' mean?"
1020. "Can a PV system disconnect be inside a bathroom?"
1021. "Can the PV power source be connected to either the supply side or the load side of the service disconnect?"
1022. "Can a grid-tie system have stand-alone capability when the grid is down?"
1023. "True or false: temperatures inside a box near roof-top PV arrays can reach 180 degrees."
1024. "Diodes allow current flow in how many directions?"
1025. "Is summer sun higher or lower in the sky than that of other seasons?"
1026. "Is winter sun higher or lower in the sky than that of other seasons?"
1027. "On a battery PV system, what prevents the batteries from discharging back into the arrays at night?"
1028. "Do some building inspectors require battery spill containment?"
1029. "Batteries: can hydrogen cause an explosion?"
1030. "Since modules/panels produce power as soon as sun strikes them, should you cover them with blankets or heavy paper until all connections are made?"
1031. "Does code require the combiner box to be fused?"
1032. "True or false: AC wiring from the inverter to the home electrical service panel should be in conduit and wired in accordance with standard house wiring codes and practices."
1033. "Using dissimilar metals on array mounting frames and racks can cause what problem?"
1034. "Should wood be used for array framing?"
1035. "True or false: Typical use: aluminum frames, stainless-steel hardware, aluminum angle."
1036. "Should silicone caulk be used to make roof penetrations watertight?"
1037. "Do all UL-listed inverters designed for grid-tie have 'anti-islanding' built-in?"
1038. "Is a true sine-wave inverter a much better choice than a modified-sine-wave inverter?"
1039. "Can undersized wire rob you of power?"
1040. "True or false: NEC requires an additional safety margin of 125% on fuses and AC breakers."
1041. "Discuss how to reduce voltage drop in wiring."
1042. "Array wire is also sometimes known as __________ ."
1043. "Should joints in copper tubing be made with the appropriate use of fittings made of copper and/or copper alloy?
1044. "How do you join PVC and metal?"
1045. "How many cells are in most modules?"
1046. "Explain options for mounting panels/modules on clay tile roofs."
1047. "Discuss batteries and their distance from the panels/modules."
1048. "(on provided chart) Identify the disconnects and their location."
1049. "(on provided chart) How many arrays?"
1050. "(on provided chart) How many strings?"
1051. "If a module is shaded 10% by dirt, bird droppings, or debris, what is an expected loss of output?"
1052. "Explain how amps are affected by distance."
1053. "What is the difference between wiring in series and wiring in parallel?"
1054. "Who is the 'governing body' for solar energy?"
1055. "If you know that you will almost always use much more electricity in the morning than in the afternoon, how might you change the orientation of your panels/modules?"
1056. "Is a solar PV system permitted to supply a structure in addition to any service of another electricity supply system?"
1057. "Must connections to panels/modules be arranged that removal of a panel or module from a PV source circuit does not interupt a grounded connector to another PV source circuit?"
1058. "On roof-mounted PV arrays, is ground-fault protection required?"
1059. "Are modules/panels always energized if exposed to light?"
1060. "Are the connectors used near the modules to be polarized?"
1061. "Can the connectors be interchangeable with receptacles in other electrical systems on the premises?"
1062. "Must connectors be of the latching/locking type?"
1063. "If you locate the grounding connection point as close as practical to the PV source, will it better protect the system from voltage surges due to lightning?"
1064. "SWH: Which type of glycol works best but is toxic?"
1065. "SWH: Propylene glycol should only be used only with what type of pipe?"
1066. "SWH: Why shouldn't you use just water with no glycol?"
1067. "SWH: Does a thermosyphon model use a pump?"
1068. "SWH: Does anti-freeze reduce or increase efficiency?"
1069. "SWH: What type has no moving parts?"
1070. "You have panels/modules totalling 10 square meters. How many square feet of roofing space is needed for them?"
1071. "What formula is used to convert square meters into square feet?"
1072. "What formula is used to convert square feet into square meters?"
1073. "SWH: How often does copper pipe of less than 1 1/2" diameter have to be supported?"
1074. "Sometimes called a 'power conditioning unit', what is it more often known as?"
1075. "What is the minimum depth that plumbing needs to be buried for a pool?"
1076. "What is the minimum depth for burying electrical?"
1077. "Give a simple explanation of 'Ohm's Law'."
1078. "What formula is used to obtain watts?"
1079. "If voltage and current signals are either always positive or always negative, they are ___ wave forms."
1080. "If the signals switch between positive and negative, they are ___ wave forms."
1081. "When connecting to the utility for net metering, is this an 'indirect connection' or is it a 'direct connection'?"
1082. "If a contractor wants to install a 480-volt commercial service, what amp panel should be installed?"
1083. "3-phase power is composed of three seperate voltage waveforms that are ____ degrees out of phase."
1084. "For 3-phase power, should you have a three-phase inverter?"
1085. "How are panels designed for maximum voltage?"
1086. "A string of panels/modules is wired in series. How much reduction in output might be expected if something was causing 10% shading of those panels/modules?"
1087. "Can harmonics add to the fundamental frequency?"
1088. "What do transformers do?"
1089. "If DC input into the inverter becomes too high or too low, will the inverter shut off?"
1090. "Are modules/panels more efficient at higher or lower ambient temperatures?"
1091. "200 feet of pipe is fixed at both ends; what is required?"
1092. "SWH: which type is considered to be most balanced?"
1093. "What is the difference between DC series circuits and DC parallel circuits?"
1094. "True or false: if wired in parallel, do amps add up but voltage stays the same, no matter how many batteries?"
1095. "What might a power conditioning unit do that a regular inverter doesn't?"
1096. "Should panels/modules be facing magnetic compass south or true solar south?"
1098. "Explain 'magnetic declination' and its effect on solar panel/module mounting."
1099. "When mounting panels/modules, are we more concerned with direction and latitude, or with azmuth angle and array tilt angle?"
1100. "Explain how a 'lightning arrestor' or 'lightning protection system' works."
1101. "Are lightning protection systems usually used with California rooftop solar energy systems?"
1102. "Fall-protection is required at what height?"
1103. "Do most modern inverters have digital readouts?"
1104. "Can there be a 'remote data monitor' in the homeowner's kitchen?"
1105. "Are two inverters ever used?"
1106. "If a subpanel is 100 amps, what size utility disconnect should be used?"
1107. "Should you always assume that an electrical switch is working properly?"
1108. "Is the PV 'output circuit' the AC side or is it the DC side?"
1109. "Is the PV 'input circuit' the AC side or is it the DC side?"
1110. "Can a typical battery put out 6000 volts for a short while?"
1111. "Are overcurrent protection devices usually supposed to be rated at 125% of their meant use?"
1112. "Why are overcurrent devices used on the roof supposed to be rated at 156% of their meant use?"
1113. "What is 'harness trauma'?
1114. "Does an inverter try to syncronize both voltage and frequency?"
1115. "Which type of inverter produces AC power most like the utility company: sine-wave, or modified sine-wave?"
1116. "Does an inverter shut-down if grid-power fails?"
1117. "According to IEEE929, how long must an inverter wait to re-start again after the grid is OK?"
1118. "Inverter surge capacity is based on what?"
1119. "One of the requirements for an inverter to qualify for a state-rebate in California is: what minimum warranty must it have?"
1120. "What website lists what inverters are approved for CA rebates?"
1121. "What other requirement is needed for an inverter to be approved for CA rebate?"
1122. "Is the inverter interconnection standard known as UL1741?"
1123. "Maximum kw size for a residence or commercial service to qualify for a rebate in CA?"
1124. "Does 2005 NEC require a DC GFPD (ground-fault protection device) on all residential systems?"
1125. "Does the 2008 NEC require a DC GFPD on all systems, including pole-mount?"
1126. "Are small off-grid structures such as a livestock building that has 2 or less PV strings and no DC wiring inside or on a building exempt from the GFPD requirement?"
1127. "Are 1741 inverters restricted to only letting a very small amount of DC current to get across into the AC grid?"
1128. "Are 1741 inverters required to trip off-line when islanding is detected?"
1129. "Are 1741 inverters required to delay 5 minutes from re-starting after lost grid power is restored?"
1130. "Are 1741 inverters only allowed a limited amount of total harmonic distortion?"
1131. "Are 1741 inverters required to cease to export power if the utility crosses the undervoltage or overvoltage trip limits or crosses the frequency trip limit?"
1132. "Are 1741 inverters required to survive being short-circuited?"
1133. "Are 1741 inverters required to not allow reverse current to flow?"
1134. "Are 1741 inverters required to withstand a voltage surge?"
1135. "Are 1741 inverters required to have a ground-fault protection device?"
1136. "Does a GFPD look like a modified breaker?"
1137. "How is Maximum Recommended PV Array Power (Wp) determined?"
1138. "Why do some installers recommend sizing the array at approximately 80% of the Wp figure?"
1138. "Does this 80% figure result in cooler inverter operation?"
1139. "Does this 80% figure result in longer inverter life?"
1140. "Most inverters have 10-year warrantees. Do some offer a longer warranty as an option?"
1141. "How is Maximum DC Input Voltage determined?"
1142. "Does array voltage increase or decrease as ambient temperature decreases?"
1143. What does 'historical minimum temperature' of a given site mean?"
1144. "Why is historical minimum temperature of a given site an important factor in array voltage sizing?"
1145. "What is 'MPPT DC Voltage Range'?"
1146. "What is inverter 'Maximum Continuous Output Power'?"
1147. "What is inverter 'Nominal AC Voltage'?"
1148. "Should inverters be mounted in a sunny location?"
1149. "What is inverter 'Pulse Width Modulation'?"
1150. "What type of connector is used between PEX and copper piping?"
1151. "By installing a properly-sized solar energy system in your home, do you 'lock in' your future electrical costs by knowing what your electrical costs will be later?"
1152. "What is most important for obtaining maximum voltage from solar panels?"
1153. "SWH: what do the letters 'DWH' stand for?"
1154. "What is the average life-span of a home solar energy system?"
1155. "SWH: what type of pump is used in a DWH system?"
1156. "Are homes said to be easier to sell if they have a solar energy system installed?"
1157. "For best panel/module performance, what is most important: orientation and tilt, or azimuth and angle?"
1158. "Is the color of the negative wire on a solar panel white?"
1159. "Inverters for off-grid projects: are they, on average, 90% efficient?"
1160. "Inverters for grid-tie projects: are they, on average, 95% efficient?"
1161. "When should you be alone when installing a solar energy system on a home?"
1162. "Do overcurrent-protection devices such as switches, fuses, and breakers always work?"
1163. "What are the 3 types of photovoltaic systems?"
1164. "What is the typical 'payback' on a residential system?"
1165. "What is the typical 'payback' on a commercial system?"
1166. "What is the maximum deposit a contractor can charge on a residential project?"
1167. "Is the color of the positive wire on a solar panel black?"
1168. "What is 'PEX'?
1169. "If a panel is mounted facing magnetic south instead of true south, how much output is likely to be lost?"
1170. "What is the minimum size cover for electrical buried under the ground?"
1171. "In most areas, is the wiring for solar energy systems required by code to be inside metal conduit?"
1172. "What is a 'diversion load'?"
1173. "Are diversion loads used in grid-tie systems or in off-grid/stand-alone systems?"
1174. "If you short-circuit a 12-volt battery, could it possibly release 6000 amps?"
1175. "Are the ABCs of CPR Airway, Breathing, and Circulation?"
1176. "Should negative wires be bare copper?"
1177. "Does the GoSolarCalifornia.ca.gov website have the complete list of inverters that are eligible for rebate?"
1178. "Must an inverter be on this list to get the 40% rebate?"
1179. "How is a DC pump sized with a solar panel/module?"
1180. "Is the state-rebate based on the PV panel's manufacturer's claimed output or on the actual output after installation?"
1181. "How are 2 inverters installed to get 120/240 volts?"
1182. "Are dual-inverters installed in-phase or out of phase?"
1183. "Are dual-inverters installed in parallel or in series?"
1184. "Should any debris be allowed in your work area?"
1185. "Should you wear any jewelry while working with electrical?"
1186. "Do all junction boxes need to be accessible?"
1187. "Should signs be used at disconnects to indicate system specifications?"
1188. "When a connection is made to the utility for net-metering, is this a direct-tap or an indirect-tap?"
1189. "SWH: what does the word 'evacuated' mean?"
1190. "SWH: how do you know if the seal is broken in an evacuated tube collector?"
1191. "SWH: Why was a manual/open vent chosen over an automatic vent in a glycol system?"
1192. "True or False: conductors and overcurrent protection should be rated at 125% of their load."
1193. "True or False: PV source circuits should have AC over-current protection devices."
1194. "Are PV schematics always correct?"
1195. "Should you use a neoprene apron when working on batteries?"
1196. "When using a man-lift, what is most important?"
1197. "What is the minimum size cover for plumbing pipe buried under the ground?"
1198. "Is a worker's life in danger when dangling from a safety harness?"
1199. "Is it safe to use metal ladders when working with electrical?"
1200. "True or False: voltage at 20 volts and amperage at 20mA can possibly kill you."
1201. "Is fall protection required at 7 1/2'?"
1202. "Is a 'source circuit' and a 'series string' often the same thing?"
1203. "True or False: 70% of PV systems installed in the US last year were in California."
1204. "How often does the National Electrical Code get updated?"
1205. "True or False: Grid-tie systems have only been around for about 10 years."
1206. "If mornings are always foggy, how could you orient your panels/modules to make up for that?"
1207. "In Los Angeles, true south is approximately ___ degrees east of magnetic south."
1208. "__________ and __________ are the enemies of inverters."
1209. "What is a 'QSP'?
1210. "Are the exposed DC wires that are zip-tied under the panels/modules often bothered by rodents?"
1211. "What is the slowest part of a residential PV installation?"
1212. "We are currently using the __________ (year) NEC; soon we will adopt the _________ NEC."
1213. "What are 'derations'?"
1214. "Is 'tilt angle' the same as 'inclination'?"
1215. "Does 'azimuth angle' indicate if facing to true south or not?"
1216. "If the panels/modules are not installed on a south-facing roof, could that affect a rebate?"
1217. After losses, typical total system efficiency is about ___ %."
1218. "Are heat, and conduit filled more than 60%, both 'derations'?"
1219. "Can there be voltage drop if wiring is too long?"
1220. "Can there be voltage drop if wiring is too small?"
1221. "What 4 things can cause loss in wire?"
1222. "For a long wire run, should you bump up a gauge?"
1223. "What is 'insolation'?"
1224. "When panels/modules are very hot, do they put out more power than when cool, or less?"
1225. "Does having air flow under the panels/modules allow for convection cooling?"
1226. "Are PV installations on flat roofs more likely to leak than those on sloped roofs?"
1227. "Which is the true efficiency of a panel/module: what is printed on its attached data sheet, or what is found on the website that lists the tested & approved items?"
1228. "Should strings each have the same number of modules?"
1229. "Do some panel/module manufacturers offer future discounts if you take their training?"
1230. "Are off-grid inverters usually less efficient than grid-tie inverters?"
1231. "Do the letters 'HVAC' stand for 'heating, ventilating, air conditioning'?"
1232. "Explain special clothing available to persons who work in the sun."
1233. "Can some inverters be 'field-repaired', or do they all need to sent to the manufacturers for repair?"
1234. "In estimating the likely electrical needs for new construction (where no previous electric bills exist), what formula is typically used?"
1235. "Discuss 'Title 24'."
1236. "Is conduit required by CEC to be secured every 10 feet and within 12 inches of boxes?"
1237."Must the AC disconnect be lockable?"
1238. "Do both LADWP and LA Fire require that the inverter and AC disconnect be near the meter?"
1239. "Are PV warning placards usually red plastic showing white engraved lettering?"
1240. "True or False: If the inverter is not near the service panel, a DC disconnect must be."
1241. "Are microinverters on the roof harder to get at than standard inverters?"
1242. "Is all CEC-required PV signage required to be red with white lettering?"
1243. "Are the panels and their racking system required to be all electrically bonded together and grounded?"
1244. "Does one inverter test involve shutting off the AC disconnect?"
1245. "Signage: where are the 4 required red warning placards required to be installed?"
1246. "Is the DC conduit required to be warning-marked every 10 feet and on all bends, penetrations, and boxes?"
1247. "Must you label the solar connection breaker in the service panel?"
1248. "Does'CEC' stand for 'California Electrical Code'?
1249. "
Do most require that PV wiring be in EMT conduit?"
1250. "What is the typical cost of a roof harness?"
1251. "Is it true that a standard digital meter can not go backward?"
1252. "On a meter showing 'pulses' as it moves, do pulses go to the right when you are 'buying' electricity?"
1253. "Has the State of California mandated that all utility companies go to 'time of use billing'?"
1254. "Estimating labor: do some installers estimate about $1 a watt installation?"
1255. "Is 10-year warranty the standard?"
1256. "Do some require that PV wiring be installed in galvanized steel?"
1257. "What is the physical difference between regular EMT and galvanized steel?"
1258. "Does 'CEC'' sometimes refer to 'current electrical code'?
1259. "In PV sizing, is it considered 'commercial'-size if 10kw or more?"
1260. "On average, do installers use 1 1/2 standoffs per module?"
1261. "Do some AHJs issue a $1000 fine if you start a PV project without first having a letter of approval?"
1262. "Do some AHJs take 4 to 6 weeks to issue a letter of approval?"
1263. "Do some AHJs require an approval from Engineering before issuing a permit?"
1264. "True or False: If the AC disconnect can not be installeded within 8' of the meter, do not install it: call for 'alternate location' information."
1265. "Was the solar industry deregulated in 1998?"
1266. "Is it common to use a 100-amp lockable AC disconnect?"
1267. "In some AHJs, is there only one person inspecting solar installations?"
1268. "What is 'LEED Certification'?"
1269. "Is 'Cat 5' used to connect solar devices to communicate with each other?"
1270. "Is 'RG-45' commonly used for solar device communication?"
1271. "What is 'USGBC'?"
1272. "What is a 'hub'?
1273. "Do some inverters have internal cooling fans?"
1274. "Do some inverters use a large external heatsink instead of cooling fans?"
1275. "On systems with multiple inverters, which type requires one inverter to be set as the 'master' inverter: grid-tie, or off-grid?"
1276. "What is an 'auto-transformer'?"
1277. "Is 'unistrut' metal framing typically used to mount heavy inverters on walls?"
1278. "Is AC always parallel?"
1279. "Do building inspectors often first check how your grounding was done?"
1280. "Grid-tie with multiple inverters: are the inverters in parallel?"
1281. "On a typical residential grid-tie system that has added batteries for a backup, how many batteries would likely be used?"
1282. "SWH: True or false- 'Static head' means no pump used."
1283. "SWH: True or false- 'Dynamic head' means that a pump is used."
1284. "Although state code may say minimum 3" air clearance under the panels/modules, could some AHJs require 4"?"
1285. "Are 3/8" stainless-steel hex-head bolts typically used for roof rack mounting?"
1286. "In measuring roof slope, does a roof said to be '7:12' have 7" of rise for every 12" of run?"
1287. "True or false: Voltage can not be higher than both of these- max input on inverter and 600 on roof."
1288. "Does more wattage per square foot allow lower mounting structure cost?"
1289. "For some rebates, is a calculation from pvwatts required?"
1290. "Why is important to know the typical coldest day of the year for a location when estimating PV installation?"
1291. "True or false: For estimating temperature coefficient for temperature correction when there is no data sheet value, does 2005 code require .5% but 2008 code says .4%?"
1292. "If 'temperature correction' is 3 volts, and you are using 20 panels/modules, would you do 3 X 20 to know to add 60 volts to your calculation?"
1293. "What is the default estimate used for expected soiling loss to panels/modules?"
1294. "True or false: Typical system efficiency is 70%."
1295. "If conduit is 'overfilled' with wire, can it lose efficiency?"
1296. "Are 'tilt-angle' and 'azimuth' required for best system performance?"
1297. "Should you have 12 months of power bills for estimating panel/module needs?"
1298. "If panel/module azimuth is off 45 degrees to either side, will it likely still have 90 percent performance?"
1299. "Are there 'string calculations' on most panel/module manufacturer's websites?"
1300. "Which is typically more efficient: 'mono' panels/modules, or 'poly' panels/modules?"
1301. "System sizing question- After learning the client's monthly estimated electrical kw needs, is this the formula used to estimate the monthly system kw production need?: Customer monthly needed amount, divided by (expected shading loss X predicted soiling loss X azmuth deration factorX inclination derate factor).
1302. "System sizing question- For a very rough estimate of what system output is needed for a home, is this a usable formula?:
Customer monthly needed kw amount, X 80%.
1303. "Does an inverter convert AC to DC or does it convert DC to AC?
1304. "What are the three different types of inverters?"
1305. "Which type of inverters are usually more efficient: grid-tied or off-grid?"
1306. "Discuss 'inverter islanding'."
1307. "To obtain a rebate in California, how long minimum does the inverter warranty need to be?"
1308. "How long does it take an inverter to re-start after an interrupted grid comes back on?"
1309. "What is the longest day of the year?"
1310. "On the longest day of the year, what degree is the Los Angeles sun at its maximum solar altitude?"
1311. "What is the shortest day of the year?"
1312. "On the shortest day of the year, what degree is the Los Angeles sun at its maximum solar altitude?"
1313. "What is the latitude of Los Angeles?"
1314. "How many peak hours of sun does Los Angeles receive daily on average?"
1315. "If you go inland (east) from Los Angeles, do average daily peak hours of sun increase or decrease?"
1316. "If possible, how many consecutive months of electricity bills should be reviewed to determined needed system sizing?"
1317. "Will the system receive no rebate if shading of modules/panels is more than 10%?"
1318. "If in Los Angeles, your year-round tilt-angle is 18 degrees instead of 34 degrees, what percentage loss is expected?"
1319. "If in Los Angeles, if your panels/modules are facing south-southwest instead of true solar south, will there be no azimuth deration?"
1320. "Are there expected loss due to resistance in wiring?"
1321. "True or False: 'Insolation' means 'hours of peak sun daily'."
1322. "True or False: Approximate system efficiency is 70% for grid-tie systems and is 65% for off-grid systems with MPPT."
1323. "System sizing question- To determine what kw system is needed for a home, is this a usable formula?:
Determined system output needed, divided by (average system efficiency X daily peak hours of sun X days per year)."
1324. "System sizing question- To determine how many panels/modules are needed for a system, is this a usable formula?:
Determined kw system needed for a home in watts, divided by rated watts of chosen module, = number of modules needed."
1325. "System sizing question- What is 'voc'?
1326. "System sizing question- What is 'vmp'?"
1327. "System sizing question- What determines how many 'strings' of panels/modules you should break the system into?"
1328. "System sizing question- Why do you need to know the temperature of the coldest day in history at your location?"
1329. "Is a 'multi-mode' system one that is grid-tied with battery-back-up?"
1330. "Are DC breakers different than AC breakers?"
1331. "Is copper-oxide a semi-conductor that can get a black oxidation?"
1332. "Is copper wire soft or hard?"
1333. "Should a system installer use a conduit-deburring tool?"
1334. "Should you not 'knick' insulation while pulling wire through conduit?"
1335. "Wiring question: Should wire inside conduit be 'wet-rated'?"
1336. "System sizing question- Explain 'Coldest Day Temperature Coefficient Calculation'."
1337. "Wiring question: What is the difference in the two wiring insulation types thermoplastic and thermosetting?"
1338. "Wiring question: What does the letter 'R' stand for?"
1339. "Wiring question: What does the letter 'H' stand for?"
1340. "Wiring question: What does the letter 'W' stand for?"
1341. "Wiring question: What do the letters 'USE' stand for?"
1342. "Wiring question: Is USE-2 wiring UV-rated?"
1343. "Wiring question: What does the letter 'N' stand for?"
1344. "System sizing question- Does Standard Test Conditions, used for rating panels/modules, use 25 degrees celsius for rating?"
1345. "System sizing question- Should each string of panels/modules have the same number of panels/modules?"
1346. "System sizing question A- To start to determine the Coldest Day Temperature Coefficient Calculation figure, is this a usable formula?:
(coldest day degrees celsius for that location) minus (STC's 25 degrees celsius) = (Step ! number)
1347. "System sizing question B- Next step to determine the Coldest Day Temperature Coefficient Calculation figure, is this a usable formula?:
(Step 1 number) X (Per 2008 NEC, -0.004 degree celsius, unless panel/module rating sheet gives a different -but similar- figure) = 0.___ .
1348. "System sizing question C- Next step to determine the Coldest Day Temperature Coefficient Calculation figure, is this a usable formula?:
(0.___ X (voltage in panels/modules added together in each seperate string,) = ____ volts (usually under 100 volts)
1349. "System sizing question D- For the final step to determine the Coldest Day Temperature Coefficient Calculation figure, is this a usable formula?: (voltage in panels/modules added together in each seperate string) plus ( ___ volts at end of step C) = ____ volts (this is your corrected string voltage for the coldest possible day for this location)
1350. "System sizing question- True or False: This final number in step D, usually a few hundred volts or so, must be within the minimum & maximum voltage limits of the inverter."
1350. "System sizing question- True or False: This final number in step D, usually a few hundred volts or so, must be less than 600 volts on the roof per code."
1351. "In Los Angeles, does a roof with a pitch of 7:12 (30.3 degree tilt) lose any measurable input power compared to one with a pitch of L.A.'s latitude (34 degrees)?"
1352. "Is loss due to wrong tilt angle known as 'inclination derate factor'?"
1353. "Does voc have to do with when it gets cold in winter?"
1354. "True or False: With wiring in series, voltage is additive and current stays the same."
1355. "True or False: With wiring in parallel, voltage stays the same and current is additive."
1356. "SWH: Discuss 'pump controller'."
1357. "SWH: Should joints in copper tubing be made with copper fittings?"
1358. "Why are flat roofs more prone to leaking than are sloped roofs?"
1359. "What manufacturer sells more panels/modules than any other manufacturer?"
1360. "If there are too many modules/panels on a string, can the voltage become too high for code or for inverter input?"
1361. "True or False: Off-grid systems without MPPT are about 60% efficient."
1362. "True or false: Most off-grid systems nowadays have MPPT and are about 65% efficient."
1363. "True or False: A new NEC comes out every 3 years."
1364. "To protect themselves against negligence lawsuits, do many cities adhere to the NEC for protection?"
1365. "Is Chapter 6, Article 690, of the NEC, about photovoltaic?"
1366. "What is the estimated 'soiling loss' of output for systems where the modules/panels are cleaned no more than once per year?"
1367. What is the higher estimated 'soiling loss' of output for systems where the modules/panels are not cleaned at least once per year?"
1368. "Does this accurately describe 'voc'?: Open-circuit voltage, when your string is not connected to anything and it is in the sun putting out maximum voltage."
1369. "Is wiring backwards a common rookie mistake?"
1370. "Does code require that no pv system wiring is under size 12?"
1371. "Trur or False: NEC doesnt require conduit but most AHJs do."
1372. "Are installers required to use strain-reliefs at junction-box knockouts?"
1373. "Is cable used for PV double-insulated?"
1374. "Does amorphus thin-film use about 1/20 the silicon of other solar panels?"
1375. "Is the top layer of PV panels made of glass?"
1376. "SWH: Is open-loop the most common type?
1377. "SWH: Is open-loop the best for areas that might ever see a freeze?"
1378. "Is regular metal-flex not water-tight?"
1379. "Many appliances still are using electricity even when turned off. What is this known as?"
1380. "SWH: True or False- A direct system circulates the potable water from storage through the collectors."
1381. "SWH: True or False- An indirect system circulates a heat transfer fluid through the collectors and a heat exchanger; the potable water is heated by the heat exchanger."
1382. "SWH: Is a flat-plate design the most common solar collector type?
1383. "SWH: Is the heat-exchanger required to be double-walled because some heat-transfer fluid is toxic?"
1384. "SWH: Is a cast-iron centrifugal pump usually what is used for closed-looped systems?"
1385. "SWH: Are the controller's sensors placed at the collector outlet and at the bottom of the storage tank?"
1386. "SWH: Do closed-loop systems use an expansion tank to allow thermal expansion of the heat-transfer fluid without rupturing the system's pipes?"
1387. "SWH: Is a spring-type check valve be installed in the plumbing line between the collector outlet and the storage tank to prevent thermosyphon?"
1388. "SWH: Is flat-plate collector orientation important?"
1389. "SWH: "Should flat-plate collectors face south and have a tilt equal to latitude if possible?"
1390. "SWH: "Can flat-plate collector performance be improved by using different summer and winter tilt angles?"
1391. "SWH: Do some systems use both the conventional water heater and another storage tank?"
1392. "SWH: Can the collector mounting clips be installed with your choice of lag screws into the rafters, j-bolts next to the rafters, or threaded rod through a compression block with a spanner between the rafters?"
1393. "SWH: Does a flashing cap soldered to the inlet and outlet pipes allow leak-free movement of the plumbing lines due to thermal expansion and contraction?"
1394. "SWH: Does the automatic air vent valve have to be installed in a vertical position because if off-vertical it may hinder air removal to the extent that the system becomes air-locked and fluid flow in the collector loop is stopped?"
1395. "SWH: What is the main reason that soft copper piping is installed between the storage tank and the collector inlet and outlet?"
1396. "SWH: Is reverse-thermosyphoning likely to attempt to occur when the fluid in the collectors is cooler than the fluid temperature in storage?"
1397. "SWH: How do you protect exterior pipe insulation from UV degradation?"
1398. "SWH: Why should you fill and pressurize the system before installing insulation on the plumbing lines?"
1399. "SWH: Should a by-pass line and ball valves be installed between the solar storage tank and the conventional domestic hot water heater so that if the solar water heating system needs to be repaired, the solar loop can be shut down and the conventional water heater can supply hot water?"
1400. "SWH: Why is an expansion tank needed in a freeze-protected solar water heating system?"
1401. "Do photovoltaic modules/panels convert light energy into electrical energy?"
1402. "Are all of these brands of inverters: Beacon Power, Frontius, PV Powered, Sunnyboy, and Zantrex?"
1403. "Does this describe the equipment/frame ground wire in a PV system?: It can be green or bare copper and is sized to safely carry the largest load that could occur in the circuit."
1404. "What does the equipment/frame ground do?"
1405. "Are monocrystalline panels/modules also known as 'unicrystalline'?"
1406. "What are the two types of 'charge controllers'?"
1407. "What type of system(s) use a charge controller?"
1408. "Name any brands of charge controller".
1409. "Could a charge controller be described as 'a battery charger powered by modules/panels'?"
1410. "True or False: Charge controllers are rated using power in & out and total current out."
1411. "Does using an MPPT charge controller allow longer wiring runs than when using older-style charge controllers?"
1412. "Can MPPT charge controllers obtain more than 20% more power from your panels/modules using older-style charge controllers?"
1413. "Were the older, smaller charge controllers for 20 amps or less?"
1414. "Are connectors RJ45 and RJ11 used in photovoltaic systems?"
1415. "Must the voltages of the panels/modules be higher than the voltage of the batteries?"
1416. "Should the wiring run from the panels/modules to the batteries be kept to less than 100 feet if possible?"
1417. "Should wiring size be used to keep loss less than 2% on the wiring run between the panels/modules and the batteries?"
1418. "Are there sometimes big fuses in DC disconnects?"
1419. "There are nearly 400 PV panel/module manufacturers in China. Why are most not sold in the United States?"
1420. "Is 'paneles solares' Spanish for PV panels/modules?"
1421. "True or False: Sharp has a PV factory in Memphis, Kyocera in Tijuana."
1422. "Do the Europeans use transformerless inverters?"
1423. "True or False: DC breakers work different than AC breakers because of potential 'DC arcing'."
1424. "True or False: DC breakers break only on the hot side of the connection because the system is grounded at the GFI at the inverter."
1425. "Are charge controllers used for off-grid systems, or for grid-tie systems with battery back-up, or for both?"
1426. "Do charge controllers try to insure that batteries will not overcharge and also will not discharge too much?"
1427. "Are European-style DC fuses sometimes hard to obtain?"
1428. "In the US, is it probably better to use breakers instead of European fuses?"
1429. "Explain what 'phase tape' is."
1430. "Is a black wire that bears white tape considered to be a white wire?"
1431. "On the DC side of a PV system, should only wire size 12 and bigger be used?"
1432. "Is phase tape used to mark phases in a 3-phase wiring?"
1433. "Is #6 wiring OK to use for the DC grounding electrode (rod) if nothing else is wired to it?"
1434. "Does 2008 NEC require 1 grounding rod for the PV DC system and another for the house?"
1435. "True or False: When 2 grounding rods are used, they must be bonded together, using either a cadwell (molten copper) or a machine that squeezes them together."
1436. "Does a 'ufer ground' involve concrete?"
1437. "Discuss: In a beach area, with sandy soil, explain the ground rod and other grounding types."
1438. "How long, per code, is a ground rod?"
1439. "True or False: A shunt is a high-value, precise resistor."
1440. "True or False: The DC side must be grounded if over 50 volts on the coldest day ever recorded at its location."
1441. "Is lightning one reason for an off-grid system to be grounded?"
1442. "Does 2008 code require that off-grid systems must have an external ground?"
1443. "Is the negative side of DC grounded?"
1444. "True or False: Although 2008 code says that it is OK to have a PV system that is not grounded before the inverter, many AHJs will not allow this."
1445. "Are European transformerless inverters usually about 98% efficient?"
1446. "True or false: Transformers are big, heavy, costly, and reliable."
1447. "Is this statement accurate?: "Most overcurrent devices should be rated for 125%. But those on the roof, because of the heat, should be rated at 156%, which is 125% of 125%."
1448. "Is this analogy accurate?: A home that needs 4000kw per month actually needs a system that can generate more than 4000 kw in a month, like a person who has $4000 per month in bills needs a job that pays more than $4000 because of loss to taxes, withholding, etc."
1449. "If four 6-volt 200-amp golfcart batteries are wired together in series,is this 24 volts?"
1450. "For an off-grid system, when should you use 12-volt system instead of 24 volts or 48 volts?"
1451. "For an off-grid system, when should you use a 24-volt or 48-volt system instead of a 12-volt system?"
1452. "Would a 48-volt off-grid system use more batteries than a 24-volt system?"
1453. "Do some inspectors check the torque of the ground connection clamp?"
1544. "True or False: Approval drawings must include voltages, grounding, over-current devices, wiring."
1455. "What is 'module mismatch'?"
1456. "Do some AHJs require 'quick release hardware' for modules/panels?"
1457. "True or False: Back-fed breakers coming from the panels/modules, and main breakers, shall be less than 120% of the bus rating of the main panel."
1458. "True or False: Modern modules/panels have a designated ground hole on each."
1459. "Although not required by code, do some AHJs require that PV notification stickers be reflective?"
1460. "Junction boxes in some wet areas are known as '3R'. What does the 'R' stand for?"
1461. "True or False: for modules/panels temperature coefficient rating, if the manufacturer sticker doesn't advise different, does 2005 code use 0.5 and 2008 code uses 0.4?"
. . . and many more!