New Curriculum First Term Solar PV Installation and Maintenance examination for SS 1

Class: SS 1
Term: First Term
Subject: Solar PV Installation and Maintenance
Time: 2 hours
Total Marks: 70

SECTION A: OBJECTIVES (40 Marks)
Instruction: Answer all questions. Each question carries 1 mark. Choose the best option (a), (b), (c) or (d).

1. Which renewable technology most directly uses heat from Earth’s interior? (a) Photovoltaic conversion    (b) Geothermal energy    (c) Wind generation    (d) Hydropower from a river head
2. A solar technician compares a tropical wet season with a dry season. Why may PV production estimates differ? (a) Cloud cover and irradiance patterns can change with seasonal climate    (b) Identical panel nameplate ratings ensure identical wet-season and dry-season energy    (c) Higher cell temperature always increases electrical output    (d) Cloud cover cannot alter the amount of solar radiation reaching the panel
3. Which statement about a basic grid-tied system is generally correct? (a) It always supplies isolated loads during grid outages    (b) It never needs protective equipment    (c) It interacts with the utility grid and may shut down during outages without suitable backup design    (d) It contains no electrical conversion stage
4. Which data set best helps compare the climate of two solar sites? (a) Multi-year rainfall, temperature and sunshine records    (b) One afternoon’s air temperature only    (c) The installer’s preferred brand name    (d) A single sunny afternoon instead of long-term climate observations
5. A household uses PV to displace daytime diesel generation. Which potential environmental benefit is most defensible? (a) Proof that manufacturing panels creates zero emissions    (b) Reduced operational fossil-fuel combustion for the electricity displaced    (c) Guaranteed elimination of generator use at all hours    (d) Immediate restoration of the ozone layer
6. A controller prevents a battery from receiving unsafe uncontrolled charging from PV modules. It is a ________. (a) AC distribution board used as a battery    (b) grid meter that creates sunlight    (c) roof mounting rail    (d) charge controller
7. Wind turbines and solar modules differ principally in the ________. (a) need to protect electrical circuits    (b) fact that both may power electrical loads    (c) requirement to plan appropriate maintenance    (d) energy resource captured and its output pattern
8. Why should solar-system environmental claims include full equipment lifetimes? (a) Manufacturing, transport, operation and disposal all have impacts    (b) PV modules require no manufacturing materials    (c) All sources of electricity have identical lifecycle effects    (d) Waste disposal cannot affect the environment
9. A learner claims ‘one unusually cold day disproves climate change.’ The weakness is ________. (a) confusing short-term weather with long-term climate trends    (b) using too much long-term climate evidence    (c) correctly separating weather from climate    (d) measuring electricity rather than rainfall
10. Which of the following is NOT correctly paired? (a) Wind—kinetic energy of moving air    (b) Solar PV—direct conversion of sound pressure to electricity    (c) Hydropower—energy in moving or falling water    (d) Solar PV—sunlight converted to electricity
11. Which claim is NOT justified about renewable energy? (a) Renewable sources are replenished naturally    (b) Output can depend on local conditions    (c) Every renewable source produces identical continuous output    (d) Different technologies have different impacts
12. Why must battery capacity and operating voltage be checked before specifying storage? (a) Any battery powers any load for an unlimited duration    (b) Battery labels are unrelated to system design    (c) They affect available stored energy and compatibility with the rest of the system    (d) Batteries convert sunshine into AC without electronics
13. Which of the following is NOT accurate about climate change? (a) It can be assessed reliably from a single isolated weather event    (b) Long-term climate patterns can change    (c) Human activities can influence greenhouse-gas concentrations    (d) Regional effects vary
14. The difference between a renewable energy source and a device that converts it is ________. (a) a battery is the same as incoming sunshine    (b) sunlight is a source; a PV module is a converter    (c) an inverter is a naturally occurring energy source    (d) fuel and power-conversion hardware are interchangeable
15. During sunlight, a PV module feeds a controller and battery. What energy conversion begins the process? (a) Photons from sunlight produce electrical direct current in solar cells    (b) Sunlight first becomes fuel in a generator tank    (c) The panel produces AC through a spinning turbine    (d) The battery creates incoming solar radiation
16. The ________ reaching a PV module is the naturally replenished source it converts into electrical power. (a) diesel fuel    (b) battery electrolyte    (c) solar radiation    (d) petroleum gas
17. A proposed project compares PV electricity with a diesel generator. Which evidence is most useful? (a) Nominal equipment ratings without site-specific generation estimates    (b) Purchase price alone without estimating fuel and maintenance costs    (c) Expected generation, fuel use, reliability, costs and environmental effects    (d) A promise that solar power is free at night
18. A shop has a reliable grid but wants PV generation and storage during outages. The suitable category is ________. (a) grid-only PV with no storage or backup capability    (b) unconnected PV panels without an inverter    (c) renewable energy source without electrical components    (d) hybrid PV system
19. The main reason for distinguishing global warming from ozone-layer depletion is ________. (a) that both terms refer only to the daily weather forecast    (b) that neither issue has any connection to atmospheric changes    (c) that they are simply different names for identical radiation    (d) that the two phenomena involve different atmospheric processes and effects
20. A house has a 12 V battery bank but needs a suitable 230 V AC appliance supply. Which device is required? (a) A PV panel mounting clamp only    (b) An appropriately rated inverter    (c) A DC-only fuse used as a converter    (d) A temperature sensor alone
21. The correct step before choosing a controller or inverter for an existing PV array is ________. (a) to rely only on the inverter’s output rating without matching its DC input    (b) to assume every module works with every inverter    (c) to ignore the electrical protection requirements    (d) to verify relevant voltage, current and load compatibility ratings
22. The ________ needs to be sized for the AC appliances expected to operate together. (a) charge-controller label without assessing appliance requirements    (b) wall clock    (c) solar mounting rail alone    (d) inverter
23. Which pairing is NOT correct? (a) Inverter—DC to suitable AC    (b) Battery—direct generation of electricity from incoming sunlight    (c) Charge controller—regulates charging    (d) Battery—stores electrochemical energy
24. Which statement best describes renewable energy rather than claiming it is always impact-free? (a) Its source replenishes on a human timescale, though equipment still has environmental impacts    (b) Its equipment uses no material inputs in manufacture    (c) It guarantees power output at every hour    (d) It eliminates all need for electrical safety controls
25. ________ best represents a renewable resource when sources are compared by natural replenishment. (a) Diesel refined from petroleum    (b) Petrol used in combustion engines    (c) Natural gas extracted from finite reserves    (d) Solar radiation reaching Earth
26. Which of these is NOT an accurate statement about PV conversion? (a) PV modules produce electrical direct current    (b) Output varies with sunlight and conditions    (c) Connected components must match the system design    (d) PV cells generate electricity only by heating water into steam
27. A 2 kW system generates 6 kWh during a sunny day. Which conclusion is valid? (a) Its energy generation was 6 kWh; the 2 kW describes rated power    (b) It ran continuously at 6 kW every hour    (c) The 2 kW rating means exactly 2 kWh per day    (d) The system delivered 12 kWh solely because 2 × 6 = 12
28. A region’s long-term temperature and rainfall patterns are its ________. (a) single day’s weather    (b) climate    (c) battery voltage    (d) peak load rating
29. The ozone layer and greenhouse warming should not be confused because ________. (a) the ozone layer supplies electricity to photovoltaic modules    (b) greenhouse gases are the only causes of ozone depletion    (c) ozone shields much ultraviolet radiation, while greenhouse gases influence heat trapping    (d) all ozone is located inside solar batteries
30. Which circumstance is most relevant when estimating a site’s solar resource? (a) Duration, intensity and shading of sunlight    (b) The vendor’s advertising slogan    (c) The number of sockets inside the home    (d) The inverter’s packaging dimensions
31. A rural clinic needs electricity at night where there is no utility grid. Which configuration is most suitable? (a) Grid-tied PV that cannot operate without its missing grid    (b) Panels connected directly to every AC appliance    (c) An appropriately sized off-grid PV system with storage    (d) A system without either storage or night-time backup
32. What is the correct energy source for a conventional solar photovoltaic panel? (a) Sunlight    (b) Fuel combustion inside the panel    (c) Chemical energy added by the user each day    (d) Mechanical shaft rotation required at the panel
33. Which is NOT the purpose of a solar module? (a) To convert sunlight into electrical power    (b) To provide DC output under illumination    (c) To store electrical energy chemically for the whole night    (d) To act as the energy-generating part of a PV array
34. All are system categories in the term’s curriculum except ________. (a) off-grid PV    (b) diesel-only fuel-injection PV    (c) grid-tied PV    (d) hybrid PV
35. Which claim is NOT sound when comparing climate zones for PV planning? (a) Local shading must be considered    (b) One bright day establishes an entire year’s average resource    (c) Cloud patterns can alter output    (d) Seasonal conditions influence expected generation
36. A village has a perennial flowing stream and intense daytime sun. Which assessment should guide source choice? (a) Choose solar based only on panel wattage without surveying stream and sun resources    (b) Assume both resources deliver identical power at all times    (c) Ignore local environmental conditions    (d) Measure available solar and water resources, cost and site effects
37. Which statement is NOT justified? (a) PV can reduce fuel dependence in suitable applications    (b) Storage may extend supply beyond daylight    (c) Every rooftop PV system produces rated power throughout the night    (d) Site and system design affect output
38. A module produces 18 V and 4 A at a measured operating point. Its electrical output power is approximately ________. (a) 4.5 W    (b) 22 W    (c) 72 W    (d) 144 W
39. Why are system components interconnected instead of treating panels as complete household power sources? (a) Panel voltage and load requirements are always identical    (b) Loads may require regulation, conversion and storage or grid interface    (c) Direct sunlight guarantees safe supply to all appliances    (d) An inverter can be omitted for every AC appliance
40. When connecting an array to a controller, which rating deserves special attention? (a) Only the controller’s mechanical dimensions, ignoring electrical limits    (b) Only the number of mounting bolts visible    (c) The rooftop’s paint pattern    (d) The array’s voltage and current relative to the controller’s permitted input limits

SECTION B: THEORY (30 Marks)
Instruction: Answer Question 1 and any other TWO questions. Each answered question carries 10 marks. Show your working where applicable.

Question 1 (10 marks). A community compares solar PV with diesel supply for a clinic. (a) Explain FIVE differences between renewable and non-renewable energy relevant to the choice. (5 marks) (b) Discuss FIVE climatic, environmental or site-related factors that affect the value of a solar installation. (5 marks)

Question 2 (10 marks). An installer tells customers that ozone depletion, global warming and short-term weather are exactly the same. (a) Correct FIVE aspects of the explanation. (5 marks) (b) Explain FIVE ways energy systems interact with environmental impacts and long-term climate decisions. (5 marks)

Question 3 (10 marks). At a measured operating point, a PV module produces 18 V and 4 A; a small load needs 72 W during sunshine. (a) Calculate the module’s measured power and explain FOUR reasons delivered power may differ from a module’s label rating. (5 marks) (b) Trace the roles of solar panel, charge controller, battery, inverter and AC load in a simple off-grid system. (5 marks)

Question 4 (10 marks). A remote household needs night-time electricity and has no reliable public grid. (a) Compare grid-tied, hybrid and off-grid systems in FIVE appropriate decision points. (5 marks) (b) Explain FIVE safety or compatibility checks before the owner purchases PV components. (5 marks)

Objective Marking Scheme
Question 1 – ✅ (b) Geothermal energy
Question 2 – ✅ (a) Cloud cover and irradiance patterns can change with seasonal climate
Question 3 – ✅ (c) It interacts with the utility grid and may shut down during outages without suitable backup design
Question 4 – ✅ (a) Multi-year rainfall, temperature and sunshine records
Question 5 – ✅ (b) Reduced operational fossil-fuel combustion for the electricity displaced
Question 6 – ✅ (d) charge controller
Question 7 – ✅ (d) energy resource captured and its output pattern
Question 8 – ✅ (a) Manufacturing, transport, operation and disposal all have impacts
Question 9 – ✅ (a) confusing short-term weather with long-term climate trends
Question 10 – ✅ (b) Solar PV—direct conversion of sound pressure to electricity
Question 11 – ✅ (c) Every renewable source produces identical continuous output
Question 12 – ✅ (c) They affect available stored energy and compatibility with the rest of the system
Question 13 – ✅ (a) It can be assessed reliably from a single isolated weather event
Question 14 – ✅ (b) sunlight is a source; a PV module is a converter
Question 15 – ✅ (a) Photons from sunlight produce electrical direct current in solar cells
Question 16 – ✅ (c) solar radiation
Question 17 – ✅ (c) Expected generation, fuel use, reliability, costs and environmental effects
Question 18 – ✅ (d) hybrid PV system
Question 19 – ✅ (d) that the two phenomena involve different atmospheric processes and effects
Question 20 – ✅ (b) An appropriately rated inverter
Question 21 – ✅ (d) to verify relevant voltage, current and load compatibility ratings
Question 22 – ✅ (d) inverter
Question 23 – ✅ (b) Battery—direct generation of electricity from incoming sunlight
Question 24 – ✅ (a) Its source replenishes on a human timescale, though equipment still has environmental impacts
Question 25 – ✅ (d) Solar radiation reaching Earth
Question 26 – ✅ (d) PV cells generate electricity only by heating water into steam
Question 27 – ✅ (a) Its energy generation was 6 kWh; the 2 kW describes rated power
Question 28 – ✅ (b) climate
Question 29 – ✅ (c) ozone shields much ultraviolet radiation, while greenhouse gases influence heat trapping
Question 30 – ✅ (a) Duration, intensity and shading of sunlight
Question 31 – ✅ (c) An appropriately sized off-grid PV system with storage
Question 32 – ✅ (a) Sunlight
Question 33 – ✅ (c) To store electrical energy chemically for the whole night
Question 34 – ✅ (b) diesel-only fuel-injection PV
Question 35 – ✅ (b) One bright day establishes an entire year’s average resource
Question 36 – ✅ (d) Measure available solar and water resources, cost and site effects
Question 37 – ✅ (c) Every rooftop PV system produces rated power throughout the night
Question 38 – ✅ (c) 72 W
Question 39 – ✅ (b) Loads may require regulation, conversion and storage or grid interface
Question 40 – ✅ (d) The array’s voltage and current relative to the controller’s permitted input limits

Theory Marking Scheme
Question 1 (10 marks)
(a) Renewability, fuel dependence, intermittency, emissions, costs, lifecycle, storage need; five explained 1 each
(b) Sun, shade, cloud patterns, rainy season, heat, roof orientation, waste management, climate risks; five 1 each

Question 2 (10 marks)
(a) Weather short term, climate long term, warming rising mean, greenhouse heat trapping, ozone UV protection, ozone depletion distinct; five 1 each
(b) Fossil emissions, avoided combustion, manufacturing impacts, disposal, system lifetime, reliable sizing, recycling; five 1 each

Question 3 (10 marks)
(a) 72 W 1; irradiance, temperature, shade, wiring losses, measurement/operating conditions; four 1 each
(b) Panel DC 1, controller regulates charging 1, battery stores 1, inverter suitable AC 1, AC load consumes 1

Question 4 (10 marks)
(a) Grid dependency, storage, backup mode, isolation, load suitability, cost; five clear comparisons 1 each
(b) Load study, system voltage, ratings, charge control, fusing/protection, proper installation, safe location; five 1 each