NABCEP PV Associate (PVA) — Practice Exam
Installation: mounting: practice questions
Our NABCEP PV Associate bank has 15 questions on this topic. Here are 4 of them with answers; the full mock exam draws from every topic, like the real one.
Question 1
What should be checked on tile roofs before mounting PV?
- Mount directly on top of the tiles with glue
- Use tile-specific mounts and avoid cracking tiles; replace broken ones
- Mount directly on top of the tiles with construction adhesive to avoid penetrations
- Tiles can be walked on freely
Show the answer
B. Use tile-specific mounts and avoid cracking tiles; replace broken ones — Roof type affects mounting method and warranty.
Question 2
Why should stainless steel and aluminum be isolated or carefully matched in mounting hardware?
- Dissimilar metals can cause galvanic corrosion
- Stainless steel is magnetic
- Stainless can't be torqued
- Aluminum conducts electricity better, so stainless hardware carries all the fault current
Show the answer
A. Dissimilar metals can cause galvanic corrosion — Compatibility of metals is a listed installation consideration.
Question 3
How are ground-mount arrays usually anchored?
- Tied to nearby trees
- Concrete footings, driven piles or ground screws
- Stakes made of PVC
- Ballast on the lawn or tied to trees with steel cable
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B. Concrete footings, driven piles or ground screws — Foundations depend on soil and loads.
Question 4
Which fastener material is commonly chosen for outdoor PV mounts for corrosion resistance?
- Brass
- Stainless steel
- Uncoated iron
- Plain carbon steel
Show the answer
B. Stainless steel — Hot-dip galvanized steel is also common.