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Indian Institute of Solar Energy > Blog > Question bank > Advance Diploma in Solar Semester Two Paper 1 Exam Section A

Advance Diploma in Solar Semester Two Paper 1 Exam Section A

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Advance Diploma in Solar Semester Two Paper 1 Exam Section A

Advance Diploma in Solar Semester Two Paper 1 Exam Section A

MCQs (Part 1: Q1–25)

📘 Section 1: Solar Water Pumping System

Q1. What is the primary energy source for solar water pumping systems?

A. Wind energy
B. Solar photovoltaic energy
C. Diesel
D. Thermal energy
Answer: B

Q2. A solar water pumping system replaces which traditional systems?

A. Windmills
B. Thermal plants
C. Diesel and electric pumps
D. Hydro systems
Answer: C

Q3. Which component converts sunlight into electricity?

A. Pump
B. Inverter
C. PV Array
D. Controller
Answer: C

Q4. Typical PV array capacity for solar pumps ranges between:

A. 100 W – 500 W
B. 1 kW – 10 kW
C. 10 kW – 50 kW
D. 50 kW – 100 kW
Answer: B

Q5. Which parameter is NOT required for system design?

A. Solar irradiation
B. Water demand
C. Color of pump
D. Total dynamic head
Answer: C

Q6. Solar pumps are classified based on:

A. Color
B. Motor type
C. Shape
D. Weight
Answer: B

Q7. Which are the two types of solar pumps based on motor type?

A. AC & DC
B. Thermal & Electric
C. Hybrid & Standalone
D. Manual & Automatic
Answer: A

Q8. Which pump is used for deep water sources (>10 m)?

A. Surface pump
B. Submersible pump
C. Hand pump
D. Jet pump
Answer: B

Q9. Surface pumps are usually:

A. Installed underwater
B. Difficult to maintain
C. Installed outside water source
D. Used only in industries
Answer: C

Q10. Which system operates independently without grid?

A. Hybrid system
B. Standalone system
C. Battery system
D. AC system
Answer: B

Q11. What is the function of a pump controller?

A. Store energy
B. Manage power flow
C. Generate electricity
D. Increase voltage only
Answer: B

Q12. MPPT stands for:

A. Maximum Power Point Tracking
B. Minimum Power Transfer Tool
C. Motor Power Processing Tech
D. Maximum Pump Performance Test
Answer: A

Q13. MPPT helps in:

A. Reducing sunlight
B. Increasing pump weight
C. Extracting maximum solar energy
D. Cooling system
Answer: C

Q14. VFD is used in:

A. DC pumps
B. AC pumps
C. Thermal systems
D. Manual pumps
Answer: B

Q15. VFD stands for:

A. Voltage Frequency Device
B. Variable Frequency Drive
C. Voltage Flow Driver
D. Variable Flow Device
Answer: B

Q16. VFD converts:

A. AC to DC
B. DC to AC
C. Heat to electricity
D. Mechanical to electrical
Answer: B

Q17. Which protection is provided by controllers?

A. Overvoltage
B. Overload
C. Dry run
D. All of the above
Answer: D

Q18. Submersible pumps are located:

A. Above ground
B. Inside water
C. On roof
D. In tank only
Answer: B

Q19. Surface pumps are easier to:

A. Install and maintain
B. Submerge
C. Replace frequently
D. Automate
Answer: A

Q20. Pump speed depends on:

A. Rainfall
B. Sunlight intensity
C. Temperature only
D. Wind speed
Answer: B

Q21. Which structure supports PV panels?

A. Frame
B. Mounting structure
C. Controller
D. Tank
Answer: B

Q22. Mounting structures are commonly made of:

A. Plastic
B. Wood
C. Galvanized iron
D. Copper
Answer: C

Q23. Typical wind resistance of mounting structure is:

A. 50 kmph
B. 100 kmph
C. 150 kmph
D. 200 kmph
Answer: C

Q24. Hybrid solar pumping system uses:

A. Only solar
B. Solar + grid
C. Diesel only
D. Wind only
Answer: B

Q25. Solar water pumps are mainly used for:

A. Lighting
B. Cooking
C. Irrigation
D. Heating
Answer: C

📘 Part 2: Q26–50 (Solar Cookers)

Q26. The primary principle of solar cooking is:

A. Electrical resistance heating
B. Nuclear fusion
C. Conversion of solar radiation into heat
D. Chemical reaction
Answer: C

Q27. Which process is NOT involved in solar cooking?

A. Collection of solar radiation
B. Conversion to heat
C. Heat retention
D. Mechanical compression
Answer: D

Q28. Solar cooking is most suitable during:

A. Night
B. Cloudy weather
C. Sunny conditions
D. Rainy season
Answer: C

Q29. One major limitation of solar cookers is:

A. High fuel consumption
B. Dependence on sunlight
C. High pollution
D. Complex wiring
Answer: B

Q30. Which type of solar cooker is simplest in design?

A. Parabolic
B. Box type
C. Evacuated tube
D. Steam cooker
Answer: B

Q31. A box-type solar cooker cannot be used for:

A. Boiling
B. Cooking rice
C. Frying
D. Steaming
Answer: C

Q32. Typical temperature of panel solar cooker is around:

A. 50°C
B. 80°C
C. 120°C
D. 300°C
Answer: C

Q33. Which cooker can reach the highest temperature?

A. Box type
B. Panel cooker
C. Parabolic dish
D. Solar PV cooker
Answer: C

Q34. Parabolic cookers focus sunlight at:

A. Base
B. Edges
C. Focal point
D. Mirror surface
Answer: C

Q35. Maximum temperature of parabolic cookers is:

A. 100°C
B. 150°C
C. 260–350°C
D. 500°C
Answer: C

Q36. Which cooker uses reflectors to concentrate sunlight?

A. Box cooker
B. Panel cooker
C. Parabolic cooker
D. All of the above
Answer: D

Q37. Which component is used for trapping heat in box cooker?

A. Mirror
B. Double glass cover
C. Fan
D. Wire
Answer: B

Q38. The black coating in solar cooker helps in:

A. Reflection
B. Absorption
C. Cooling
D. Transmission
Answer: B

Q39. Efficiency of a solar cooker with black paint is:

A. 5–10%
B. 20–25%
C. 50–60%
D. 80–90%
Answer: B

Q40. Efficiency improves when using:

A. Plastic coating
B. Selective coating
C. Glass coating
D. Paint removal
Answer: B

Q41. Which cooker is suitable for frying and grilling?

A. Box cooker
B. Panel cooker
C. Parabolic cooker
D. None
Answer: C

Q42. Solar steam cooking is based on:

A. Reflection
B. Conduction
C. Solar concentration
D. Radiation only
Answer: C

Q43. Solar PV electric cooker uses:

A. Heat directly
B. Electrical energy from PV
C. Steam
D. Diesel backup
Answer: B

Q44. Which sector benefits most from solar cooking?

A. IT sector
B. Rural households
C. Aviation
D. Mining
Answer: B

Q45. One advantage of solar cooking is:

A. High pollution
B. Fuel saving
C. High cost
D. Noise generation
Answer: B

Q46. Which is NOT an advantage?

A. Renewable
B. Eco-friendly
C. Fast cooking
D. Cost-effective
Answer: C

Q47. Panel cookers are generally:

A. Heavy and expensive
B. Portable and inexpensive
C. Complex systems
D. Industrial use only
Answer: B

Q48. Evacuated tube cookers can reach:

A. 50°C
B. 100°C
C. 220–290°C
D. 500°C
Answer: C

Q49. Which precaution is required in evacuated tube cooker?

A. Use cold water only
B. Avoid pre-heating empty tube
C. Keep open always
D. Use only metal pots
Answer: B

Q50. Solar cookers mainly reduce use of:

A. Wind energy
B. Fossil fuels
C. Nuclear energy
D. Hydro energy
Answer: B

📘 Part 3: Q51–75 (Solar Water Heaters – Case-Based)

Q51.

A household of 4 members requires hot water daily. Each person uses ~50 liters. What should be the minimum system capacity?
A. 100 L
B. 150 L
C. 200 L
D. 300 L
Answer: C
👉 (50 × 4 = 200 L)

Q52.

A system installed facing North shows poor performance. What is the likely issue?
A. Low pressure
B. Wrong orientation
C. Pipe leakage
D. Collector type
Answer: B

Q53.

A solar water heater works on which radiation principle?
A. UV absorption
B. Infrared absorption
C. Microwave heating
D. Gamma rays
Answer: B

Q54.

A collector gives output temperature of 60°C. It is likely:
A. High-temperature collector
B. Flat plate collector
C. Solar tower
D. Dish collector
Answer: B

Q55.

A user needs higher efficiency and higher temperature output. Which collector is best?
A. Flat plate
B. Unglazed
C. Evacuated tube
D. Plastic collector
Answer: C

Q56.

In a thermosyphon system, water circulation occurs due to:
A. Pump pressure
B. Density difference
C. Electrical motor
D. External pressure
Answer: B

Q57.

A system without pump is called:
A. Active system
B. Passive system
C. Hybrid system
D. Thermal system
Answer: B

Q58.

Which system uses a pump for circulation?
A. Passive
B. Active
C. Manual
D. Gravity
Answer: B

Q59.

A collector using greenhouse effect is:
A. Evacuated tube
B. Flat plate
C. Parabolic
D. Tower
Answer: B

Q60.

A system installed in a cold region requires better heat retention. Best choice?
A. Flat plate
B. Unglazed collector
C. Evacuated tube
D. Open tank
Answer: C

Q61.

A house with high water pressure requires:
A. Non-pressurized system
B. Pressurized system
C. Passive system
D. Small tank
Answer: B

Q62.

Which material is used in evacuated tubes?
A. Copper
B. Plastic
C. Borosilicate glass
D. Steel
Answer: C

Q63.

If hot water demand increases, what should be increased?
A. Pipe size
B. Tank capacity
C. Voltage
D. Frequency
Answer: B

Q64.

A system gives 80°C water. It is likely:
A. Flat plate collector
B. Low temp collector
C. Unglazed system
D. Storage tank only
Answer: A

Q65.

Which factor does NOT affect system selection?
A. Orientation
B. Occupancy
C. Color of tank
D. Collector type
Answer: C

Q66.

A system installed East-West gives lower output because:
A. Less sunlight capture
B. More reflection
C. High pressure
D. Pipe losses
Answer: A

Q67.

Which collector is used for high temperature applications?
A. Flat plate
B. Unglazed
C. Concentrating collectors
D. Storage tank
Answer: C

Q68.

A system using copper heat pipes indicates:
A. Flat plate
B. Evacuated tube
C. Unglazed
D. Passive tank
Answer: B

Q69.

Which system works well with hard water?
A. Non-pressurized
B. Pressurized ETC
C. Flat plate only
D. Open tank
Answer: B

Q70.

Heat transfer in solar heaters mainly occurs through:
A. Conduction
B. Radiation
C. Convection
D. All of the above
Answer: D

Q71.

A system uses multiple glass tubes connected to a manifold. It is:
A. Flat plate
B. Evacuated tube
C. Dish system
D. Tower
Answer: B

Q72.

Which application uses solar water heaters?
A. Lighting
B. Dishwashers
C. Fans
D. Motors
Answer: B

Q73.

Low temperature collectors are used for:
A. Steam generation
B. Water heating
C. Power plants
D. Industry only
Answer: B

Q74.

Which collector is cheapest but least efficient?
A. Evacuated tube
B. Flat plate
C. Unglazed
D. Concentrating
Answer: C

Q75.

A system producing 120°C water is likely:
A. Flat plate
B. ETC
C. Unglazed
D. Storage tank
Answer: B

📝 Part 4: Q76–100 (Net Metering – Case-Based)

Q76.

A house generates excess solar electricity during the day. What happens in net metering?
A. Stored in battery
B. Sent to grid
C. Wasted
D. Converted to heat
Answer: B

Q77.

Which device measures both import and export of electricity?
A. Ammeter
B. Voltmeter
C. Net meter
D. Transformer
Answer: C

Q78.

If generation > consumption, the consumer:
A. Pays more
B. Gets credit
C. Loses energy
D. Disconnects system
Answer: B

Q79.

Net metering reduces need of:
A. PV panels
B. Batteries
C. Inverters
D. Controllers
Answer: B

Q80.

Which system is connected to grid?
A. Off-grid
B. Grid-connected PV
C. Standalone
D. Hybrid only
Answer: B

Q81.

Energy credits are measured in:
A. Volt
B. Watt
C. kWh
D. Ampere
Answer: C

Q82.

Grid acts as:
A. Generator
B. Storage system
C. Load
D. Converter
Answer: B

Q83.

Billing adjustment in net metering is usually:
A. Daily
B. Monthly or annual
C. Hourly
D. Weekly
Answer: B

Q84.

Which policy initiated solar growth in India?
A. NEP
B. JNNSM
C. GST
D. FDI
Answer: B

Q85.

Target set for rooftop solar in 2014 was:
A. 10 GW
B. 20 GW
C. 40 GW
D. 100 GW
Answer: C

Q86.

If consumption > generation, user:
A. Gets credit
B. Pays difference
C. Gets subsidy
D. No billing
Answer: B

Q87.

Gross metering differs because:
A. No grid
B. All energy exported
C. No billing
D. Uses battery
Answer: B

Q88.

Feed-in tariff is:
A. Fixed payment per unit
B. Variable cost
C. Free electricity
D. No payment
Answer: A

Q89.

Which meter measures solar generation separately?
A. Net meter
B. Generation meter
C. Analog meter
D. Smart meter
Answer: B

Q90.

Which component converts DC to AC in grid systems?
A. Transformer
B. Inverter
C. Battery
D. Panel
Answer: B

Q91.

Typical rooftop PV capacity range is:
A. 1–100 kW
B. 100–500 kW
C. 500–1000 kW
D. >1 MW
Answer: A

Q92.

Net metering is regulated by:
A. Private companies
B. Government
C. NGOs
D. Consumers
Answer: B

Q93.

If 5 kWh generated and 3 kWh used, export =
A. 2 kWh
B. 3 kWh
C. 5 kWh
D. 8 kWh
Answer: A

Q94.

If 4 kWh generated and 6 kWh used, import =
A. 2 kWh
B. 4 kWh
C. 6 kWh
D. 10 kWh
Answer: A

Q95.

Which benefit is NOT of net metering?
A. Financial credit
B. Battery elimination
C. High maintenance
D. Energy savings
Answer: C

Q96.

Which system uses bidirectional meter?
A. Off-grid
B. Net metering
C. Diesel system
D. Thermal system
Answer: B

Q97.

Electricity credits are settled on:
A. Daily basis
B. Weekly basis
C. Monthly/annual basis
D. Instant basis
Answer: C

Q98.

Grid-connected inverter is used for:
A. Heating
B. AC conversion
C. Storage
D. Pumping
Answer: B

Q99.

Net metering helps in:
A. Increasing pollution
B. Reducing electricity bills
C. Increasing load
D. Reducing voltage
Answer: B

Q100.

Main purpose of net metering is:
A. Store energy locally
B. Balance generation and consumption
C. Increase grid load
D. Replace inverter
Answer: B