CSLB C-46 Solar (Trade Exam) — All Questions
17 questions
An array covers 28 percent of a home's plan-view roof area, and the home has no sprinklers. What setback is required at a horizontal ridge?
- a.18 inches on both sides✓
- b.No setback below 33 percent
- c.36 inches on both sides
- d.18 inches on one side only
For arrays covering not more than 33 percent of the plan-view roof area, the 2022 CRC requires at least 18 inches of clear setback on both sides of a horizontal ridge. The setback is reduced, not removed, below 33 percent.2022 CRC R324.6.2 (City of Berkeley checklist)
A sprinklered home (NFPA 13D) will have an array covering 70 percent of its plan-view roof area. What ridge setback applies?
- a.36 inches on both sides✓
- b.12 inches on both sides
- c.18 inches on both sides
- d.None, because it is sprinklered
With an automatic sprinkler system, the alternative setback is 18 inches for arrays covering up to 66 percent of plan-view roof area and 36 inches above that. At 70 percent, 36 inches applies.2022 CRC R324.6.2.1 (City of Poway list)
Which roof is exempt from the residential PV pathway requirements?
- a.A 9:12 roof on a detached garage used as a studio
- b.A 1.5:12 low-slope roof on a house✓
- c.A 4:12 roof on a two-story house
- d.A 6:12 roof with a small array
The pathway rules do not apply to roofs with slopes of 2:12 or less, or to non-habitable structures. A studio is habitable, and steeper roofs on houses are covered regardless of array size.2022 CRC R324.6 (City of Poway list)
Under which standard must a rooftop-mounted PV panel system be tested and listed for its fire classification?
- a.UL 2703✓
- b.UL 1973
- c.UL 9540
- d.UL 1741
The 2022 CRC requires rooftop-mounted PV panel systems installed on or above the roof covering to be tested, listed and identified with a fire classification in accordance with UL 2703. UL 1741 covers inverters and UL 9540 covers energy storage systems.2022 CRC R902.4 (County of Lake excerpt)
What added dead load does NREL say a typical attached (not ballasted) rooftop PV system adds?
- a.About 15 pounds per square foot
- b.About 25 pounds per square foot
- c.Less than 3 pounds per square foot✓
- d.3 to 8 pounds per square foot
NREL reports that an attached system adds less than 3 pounds per square foot of collector area, while a ballasted system adds 3 to 8 pounds per square foot depending on tilt and wind loading.NREL Best Practices for O&M of PV and ESS
Why does NREL prefer through-bolting to clamps for PV rack hardware?
- a.Through-bolts eliminate the need for flashing
- b.Clamps can release in a storm✓
- c.Through-bolts need no corrosion protection
- d.Clamps are not allowed by any code
NREL notes clamps may have the specified strength in the proper orientation, but relative movement, rotation or vibration of rack parts in a storm can cause them to release; through-bolting is preferred. Flashing is still required.NREL Best Practices for O&M of PV and ESS
What must be true of every roof penetration made for a PV installation, per San Diego County's checklist?
- a.It must be inspected by the roofer
- b.It must be at least 24 inches from a rafter
- c.It must be secure and weather-tight✓
- d.It must be sealed with silicone only
San Diego County's checklist requires all roof penetrations to be secure and weather-tight. The method follows the approved plan and manufacturer details, not a single sealant type.County of San Diego PDS 081S (2025 codes)
What does a single-axis tracker on a ground-mounted array typically do?
- a.Points directly at the sun all day in both axes
- b.Tilts the array toward north in winter
- c.Rotates the array only at night
- d.Follows the sun from east to west✓
DOE explains that one-axis trackers typically track the sun from east to west, while two-axis trackers keep modules pointed directly at the sun throughout the day. Trackers add cost and maintenance.DOE, Solar Photovoltaic System Design Basics
Which standard lists photovoltaic shingles used as the roof covering?
- a.UL 9540
- b.UL 1741
- c.UL 2703
- d.UL 7103✓
The 2022 CRC requires PV shingles to be listed and labeled in accordance with UL 7103 and limits them to roof slopes of 2:12 or greater. UL 2703 applies to rack-mounted PV systems.2022 CRC R905.16 (County of Lake excerpt)
At inspection, which statement about exposed array conductors must be true?
- a.They may rest loose on the roof surface
- b.They must run through the attic in PVC
- c.They are secured, supported and protected✓
- d.They must be painted to match the roof
The Guidebook's inspection list requires array exposed conductors to be properly secured, supported and routed to prevent physical damage. DC circuits inside a building must be in metal raceway, MC cable or metal enclosures, not PVC.Solar Permitting Guidebook (OPR) inspection checklist
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What does NREL say a ballasted rooftop rack requires beyond the general ASCE 7 requirements?
- a.Advanced wind-loading evaluations✓
- b.A ground-mounted backup array
- c.A fire classification of Class C only
- d.No wind review, since ballast holds it down
NREL states that to use a ballasted rack, advanced wind-loading evaluations have to be performed above the general requirements of ASCE 7, and wind loading usually decides whether ballast is feasible.NREL Best Practices for O&M of PV and ESS
Which fastener does NREL describe as more likely to pull out of PV racking over time?
- a.Stainless steel bolts
- b.Listed lag screws into rafters
- c.Self-tapping screws✓
- d.Through-bolts with nuts
NREL notes that self-tapping screws are more likely to pull out and weaken over time from corrosion, and that through-bolting is preferred to clamps in rack hardware.NREL Best Practices for O&M of PV and ESS
According to NREL, roofing contractors frequently guarantee their workmanship for how long?
- a.30 to 40 years
- b.Exactly 1 year
- c.Only until the first rain
- d.Between 5 and 10 years✓
NREL notes that roofing contractors often guarantee their work for between 5 and 10 years for workmanship, which a PV installation can affect if penetrations are not made to the roofing and racking details.NREL Best Practices for O&M of PV and ESS
How often does NREL's sample service schedule call for inspecting roof penetrations for degrading sealant?
- a.Only when a leak is reported
- b.Never, once flashed
- c.Once a year✓
- d.Once every 10 years
NREL's sample service schedule includes inspecting roof penetrations once a year to ensure sealant is applied properly and not degrading.NREL Best Practices for O&M of PV and ESS
A building-integrated PV system hides electrical hazards from view. What does the 2022 California Fire Code require?
- a.No markings, since BIPV is part of the roof
- b.Reflective markings of the hazard areas, visible from grade✓
- c.A fence around the building
- d.Removal of the BIPV at night
The 2022 CFC requires markings identifying hazardous areas to avoid where BIPV creates hidden electrical hazards, and the markings must be reflective and visible from grade.County of Lake 2022-code excerpt (CFC 1205.2.3)
Which smoke ventilation option between array sections does the 2022 California Fire Code allow on larger buildings?
- a.No pathway if modules are Class A
- b.A pathway not less than 18 inches wide
- c.A pathway not less than 8 feet wide✓
- d.A single roof hatch anywhere on the roof
The 2022 CFC's smoke ventilation options between array sections include a pathway at least 8 feet wide, or a 4-foot pathway bordering 4-by-8-foot venting cutouts every 20 feet on alternating sides.County of Lake 2022-code excerpt (CFC 1205.3.3)
Why does NREL say ground-mounted arrays usually need more cleaning than rooftop arrays?
- a.They face north
- b.They sit closer to dust and pollen✓
- c.They are cleaned only by rain
- d.They have no glass
NREL notes that cleaning requirements increase for ground-mounted arrays because they are closer to the source of airborne dirt and pollen.NREL Best Practices for O&M of PV and ESS