ESET 222: Annual Solar Energy Output Calculation Quiz

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What is the main purpose of a grid-tie inverter in a solar energy system?

To store excess energy in batteries

To regulate the voltage and current output of solar panels

To disconnect from the grid in case of a blackout

To convert DC power from solar panels to AC power for the grid (correct)

What characteristic of a high-quality modern grid tie inverter ensures that its output voltage and current are perfectly lined up with the grid?

High voltage limit

Adjustable phase angle

Variable power factor

Fixed unity power factor (correct)

Why do grid-tie inverters need to quickly disconnect from the grid during a utility blackout?

To avoid overloading the inverter

To protect line workers fixing the power grid (correct)

To prevent damage to the solar panels

To conserve energy stored in batteries

How does a grid-tie inverter synchronize its frequency with that of the grid?

Using a local oscillator Signup and view all the answers

In a solar energy system, what happens if the alternative power being produced is insufficient?

The deficit will be sourced from the electricity grid Signup and view all the answers

What type of cables are used to connect one solar panel to another?

Inter-Module cables Signup and view all the answers

Which cables are used to connect a solar PV system to an electric junction box?

Output cables Signup and view all the answers

What component is responsible for converting DC electricity into AC electricity to feed it into an existing electrical grid?

Grid-tie inverter (GTI) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of connecting all batteries in a battery bank with large high-quality cables?

To allow full current flow to the loads and charging current flow through the battery bank Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to wire distances for a 24-volt solar system based on the provided wire chart for a 12-volt system?

Multiply distances by 2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using correct wire sizes in a Solar Energy System?

To ensure low loss of energy and prevent overheating or fire Signup and view all the answers

Why are large wires required for connecting the Power Inverter in a Solar Energy System?

To handle the considerable amps drawn by the Power Inverter Signup and view all the answers

What should be considered when connecting batteries in a Solar Energy System?

Using large cables similar to car battery cables Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended that wires connecting the Power Inverter to batteries not exceed 6 feet in length?

To prevent energy loss and overheating Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using grid-tie inverters for connecting to the AC grid in a Solar Energy System?

To enable selling excess energy back to the grid Signup and view all the answers

What is the technical name for a grid-tie inverter?

Grid-interactive converter Signup and view all the answers

Can grid-interactive inverters be used in standalone applications without utility power available?

No, they require utility power to function Signup and view all the answers

What is 'net metering' in the context of a grid-tied electrical system?

A method where the utility compensates for the power outflow to the grid Signup and view all the answers

How are producers compensated under a feed-in tariff policy?

By receiving a fixed payment for each kilowatt-hour delivered to the grid Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of inverters in a solar energy system connected to the grid?

To convert DC power from solar panels into AC power for grid connection Signup and view all the answers

What type of connectors are commonly used in most of today's PV modules, known to be good for 30 Amps?

MC4 connectors Signup and view all the answers

In a PV module, where do the positive and negative leads from the solar cell string terminate?

In a junction box Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a combiner box in a solar energy system?

Voltage drop minimization Signup and view all the answers

Which type of connectors are typically attached to the wires extending from the junction box in a PV module?

MC4 connectors Signup and view all the answers

Where are the wires of a PV array connected in a combiner box?

To a power distribution block Signup and view all the answers

What is a common range for inverter losses in a photovoltaic system?

4% to 10% Signup and view all the answers

Which component contributes the most to losses due to shading in a photovoltaic system?

Shadings Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a microFIT Contract in the context of renewable energy projects?

Formalizing commercial agreements Signup and view all the answers

How many solar panels would be needed for a home consuming 800 kWh per month based on the provided information?

27 solar panels Signup and view all the answers

What does the reduction of PV system losses by up to 23% imply for the actual energy output of a photovoltaic system?

Increase in energy output Signup and view all the answers

What factor causes the current to increase in wiring when the voltage decreases over distance?

Resistance of the wire Signup and view all the answers

In a solar energy system, why is it recommended to purchase solar panels in even numbers?

To make it easier to wire pairs in series Signup and view all the answers

What makes a fatter cable more suitable for wiring in a solar energy system?

Lower resistance per meter length Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of the wire determines its resistance in a solar energy system?

Cross sectional area of the wire Signup and view all the answers

What is the main reason for considering the type of wire to use in a solar energy system?

To minimize resistance in the wiring Signup and view all the answers

When connecting cables to solar panels, what should be taken into consideration regarding resistance?

The length and thickness of the cables Signup and view all the answers

In terms of electrical systems, why is it important for cables to have low resistance?

To minimize power loss and ensure efficiency Signup and view all the answers

When considering wiring in a solar energy system, what does 'proportional to length and inversely proportional to cross sectional area' refer to?

The relationship between cable resistance and physical dimensions Signup and view all the answers