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Solar Semester one exam SECTION A
- March 23, 2026
- Posted by: iisemumbai
- Category: Question bank
SECTION A – MCQs Questions
(40 Questions)
1. Energy is defined as:
a) Rate of work
b) Capacity to do work
c) Force × velocity
d) Power per unit time
Answer: b) Capacity to do work
Model Answer: Energy is the capacity to do work.
2. According to the first law of thermodynamics, energy:
a) Can be created
b) Can be destroyed
c) Can neither be created nor destroyed
d) Exists only in electrical form
Answer: c) Can neither be created nor destroyed
Model Answer: Energy can only be transformed from one form to another.
3. Which of the following is a non-conventional source of energy?
a) Coal
b) Diesel
c) Solar energy
d) Natural gas
Answer: c) Solar energy
Model Answer: Solar energy is a renewable and non-conventional source.
4. The most convenient form of energy mentioned in the notes is:
a) Thermal energy
b) Chemical energy
c) Electrical energy
d) Nuclear energy
Answer: c) Electrical energy
Model Answer: Electrical energy is considered the most convenient form of energy.
5. A material that allows many electrons to move freely is called:
a) Insulator
b) Semiconductor
c) Conductor
d) Resistor
Answer: c) Conductor
Model Answer: Conductors permit free movement of electrons.
6. Materials allowing very few free electrons are:
a) Conductors
b) Insulators
c) Semiconductors
d) Electrolytes
Answer: b) Insulators
Model Answer: Insulators resist the movement of electrons.
7. Current is represented by the symbol:
a) V
b) P
c) I
d) R
Answer: c) I
Model Answer: Electric current is denoted by the symbol I.
8. Current is measured in:
a) Volts
b) Watts
c) Amperes
d) Ohms
Answer: c) Amperes
Model Answer: The SI unit of current is ampere (A).
9. Voltage is also known as:
a) Power factor
b) Electromotive force
c) Conductance
d) Resistance
Answer: b) Electromotive force
Model Answer: Voltage is also called potential difference or EMF.
10. The unit of resistance is:
a) Volt
b) Watt
c) Ohm
d) Ampere
Answer: c) Ohm
Model Answer: Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).
11. Electrical power is given by:
a) P = I/R
b) P = V × I
c) P = V/R
d) P = R × I
Answer: b) P = V × I
Model Answer: Electrical power equals voltage multiplied by current.
12. A solar cell converts:
a) Heat into sound
b) Light into DC electricity
c) DC into AC
d) Chemical energy into heat
Answer: b) Light into DC electricity
Model Answer: A solar cell converts photon energy into direct current electricity.
13. Solar cells work on the principle of:
a) Electromagnetic induction
b) Photovoltaic effect
c) Electrolysis
d) Magnetic effect
Answer: b) Photovoltaic effect
Model Answer: Solar cells operate based on the photovoltaic effect.
14. One advantage of solar PV technology is:
a) High fuel cost
b) No moving parts
c) Continuous energy at night
d) Very high pollution
Answer: b) No moving parts
Model Answer: Solar PV systems have no moving parts and require little maintenance.
15. One limitation of solar PV technology is:
a) Zero maintenance
b) High efficiency
c) Intermittent source
d) Does not need sunlight
Answer: c) Intermittent source
Model Answer: Solar energy is intermittent and depends on sunlight availability.
16. The voltage of a single solar cell is approximately:
a) 12 V
b) 24 V
c) 0.5 to 0.6 V
d) 230 V
Answer: c) 0.5 to 0.6 V
Model Answer: A single solar cell typically gives about 0.5 to 0.6 volts.
17. Many solar cells connected together form a:
a) Capacitor
b) Transformer
c) Solar module
d) Rectifier
Answer: c) Solar module
Model Answer: Multiple solar cells are interconnected to form a solar module.
18. In series connection of solar cells:
a) Current increases only
b) Voltage adds up
c) Power becomes zero
d) Resistance becomes zero
Answer: b) Voltage adds up
Model Answer: In series connection, the total voltage is the sum of individual cell voltages.
19. EVA in a solar module stands for:
a) Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
b) Electrical Voltage Assembly
c) Electro Vacuum Alloy
d) Energy Variable Array
Answer: a) Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
Model Answer: EVA is a thermoplastic polymer used in solar module lamination.
20. A solar charge controller is mainly used to:
a) Produce AC power
b) Regulate voltage and current from panel
c) Track the sun
d) Increase module size
Answer: b) Regulate voltage and current from panel
Model Answer: The controller protects the battery by regulating charging conditions.
21. Charge controllers are required mainly in:
a) Off-grid systems
b) Diesel generators
c) Thermal plants
d) Wind towers only
Answer: a) Off-grid systems
Model Answer: Charge controllers are essential where batteries are used in off-grid solar systems.
22. Overcharging of a battery may lead to:
a) Cooling
b) Faster charging without loss
c) Heat generation and battery damage
d) Higher inverter efficiency only
Answer: c) Heat generation and battery damage
Model Answer: Overcharging harms battery life and safety.
23. A solar inverter converts:
a) AC to DC
b) DC to AC
c) Heat to electricity
d) Chemical to nuclear energy
Answer: b) DC to AC
Model Answer: Inverters convert DC output from PV/battery into AC for loads.
24. Rectifiers convert:
a) DC to AC
b) AC to DC
c) DC to DC
d) AC to AC
Answer: b) AC to DC
Model Answer: Rectifiers convert alternating current into direct current.
25. DC-DC converters are used to:
a) Convert light to heat
b) Convert one level of DC voltage to another
c) Convert AC to mechanical energy
d) Store electricity
Answer: b) Convert one level of DC voltage to another
Model Answer: DC-DC converters step up or step down DC voltage.
26. A battery stores energy in:
a) Magnetic form
b) Mechanical form
c) Chemical form
d) Nuclear form
Answer: c) Chemical form
Model Answer: Batteries store chemical energy and convert it to electrical energy.
27. A battery is a:
a) Three terminal device
b) Two terminal device
c) Single terminal device
d) Four terminal device
Answer: b) Two terminal device
Model Answer: A battery has positive and negative terminals.
28. The electrode that releases electrons during discharge is:
a) Cathode
b) Anode
c) Electrolyte
d) Separator
Answer: b) Anode
Model Answer: The anode releases electrons during discharge.
29. The electrode that absorbs electrons is:
a) Anode
b) Cathode
c) Load
d) Terminal
Answer: b) Cathode
Model Answer: The cathode accepts electrons.
30. The first step in solar system design for a house is:
a) Buying panels
b) Estimating load requirement
c) Installing inverter
d) Connecting battery
Answer: b) Estimating load requirement
Model Answer: Load calculation is the first step in system design.
31. Energy consumed is calculated by:
a) Voltage × Current
b) Power × Time
c) Current × Resistance
d) Voltage ÷ Current
Answer: b) Power × Time
Model Answer: Energy = Power × Hours.
32. 1 kWh is equal to:
a) 1 unit of electricity
b) 10 units of electricity
c) 100 watts only
d) 1 ampere-hour
Answer: a) 1 unit of electricity
Model Answer: One kilowatt-hour equals one unit of electricity.
33. A feasibility study is used to determine:
a) Only color of module
b) Viability of a solar project
c) Only battery brand
d) Only tariff rate
Answer: b) Viability of a solar project
Model Answer: A feasibility study checks technical, economic, and environmental suitability.
34. Solar resource assessment deals with:
a) Wire thickness only
b) Annual sunlight exposure
c) Battery water level
d) Inverter fan speed
Answer: b) Annual sunlight exposure
Model Answer: It evaluates solar radiation, weather, and climate data.
35. An important component of solar site feasibility study is:
a) Festival planning
b) Risk assessment
c) Product packaging
d) Furniture arrangement
Answer: b) Risk assessment
Model Answer: Risk assessment is one of the key components of solar feasibility study.
36. The formula for DC solar system size is:
a) Daily kWh × Sun hours
b) Daily kWh / Average daily sun hours × 1.15
c) Daily kWh / 12
d) Voltage × Resistance
Answer: b) Daily kWh / Average daily sun hours × 1.15
Model Answer: This formula is used to estimate required DC solar system size.
37. Solar module service life is generally:
a) 2 to 3 years
b) 5 to 7 years
c) 20 to 30 years
d) 50 years exactly
Answer: c) 20 to 30 years
Model Answer: Solar PV modules are designed for long operating life.
38. Preventing reverse current from battery to panel is a function of:
a) Solar charge controller
b) Fan regulator
c) Distribution board
d) AC stabilizer
Answer: a) Solar charge controller
Model Answer: Charge controllers improve system efficiency and prevent reverse current.
39. Most household appliances generally use:
a) DC supply only
b) AC supply
c) Chemical supply
d) Solar radiation directly
Answer: b) AC supply
Model Answer: Most common household appliances operate on AC power.
40. Solar potential assessment helps in:
a) Reducing sunlight
b) Better energy planning
c) Eliminating all losses
d) Replacing all batteries instantly
Answer: b) Better energy planning
Model Answer: Solar potential assessment supports planning, viability, and grid integration.
41. Which of the following is a conventional energy source?
a) Solar
b) Wind
c) Fossil fuel
d) Biomass
Answer: c) Fossil fuel
Model Answer: Fossil fuel is a conventional source of energy.
42. Which energy form is directly used by a glowing bulb?
a) Nuclear energy
b) Light energy
c) Tidal energy
d) Sound energy
Answer: b) Light energy
Model Answer: A glowing bulb mainly gives light energy.
43. Which among the following is related to CO₂ emission reduction?
a) Increased fossil fuel burning
b) Greater renewable energy use
c) More diesel generators
d) More coal usage
Answer: b) Greater renewable energy use
Model Answer: Renewable energy helps reduce carbon emissions.
44. A semiconductor has conductivity:
a) Greater than conductor
b) Equal to insulator
c) Between conductor and insulator
d) Zero conductivity
Answer: c) Between conductor and insulator
Model Answer: Semiconductor conductivity lies between conductor and insulator.
45. An atom is electrically neutral when:
a) Electrons are more than protons
b) Protons are more than electrons
c) Electrons equal protons
d) Neutrons are absent
Answer: c) Electrons equal protons
Model Answer: Equal number of electrons and protons makes the atom neutral.
46. A positive charge is caused by:
a) Excess electrons
b) Absence of electrons
c) More neutrons
d) No protons
Answer: b) Absence of electrons
Model Answer: Loss of electrons produces positive charge.
47. Current always flows from:
a) Lower voltage to higher voltage
b) Higher voltage to lower voltage
c) Equal voltage to unequal voltage
d) Ground to source only
Answer: b) Higher voltage to lower voltage
Model Answer: Conventional current flows from higher potential to lower potential.
48. The symbol for resistance is:
a) P
b) I
c) R
d) E
Answer: c) R
Model Answer: Resistance is represented by R.
49. Which quantity opposes current flow?
a) Voltage
b) Resistance
c) Power
d) Energy
Answer: b) Resistance
Model Answer: Resistance opposes the movement of current.
50. Which of the following is an application of PV technology?
a) Space satellites
b) Steam boilers only
c) Coal washing
d) Thermal turbine blades
Answer: a) Space satellites
Model Answer: PV technology is used in satellites, lighting, pumping, and many remote applications.
51. Solar PV is a:
a) Mechanical device
b) Non-mechanical device
c) Fuel-burning device
d) Rotating machine
Answer: b) Non-mechanical device
Model Answer: Solar cells generate electricity without moving parts.
52. The first practical silicon solar cell was announced by:
a) Tesla
b) Bell Labs
c) NASA
d) Siemens
Answer: b) Bell Labs
Model Answer: Bell Labs announced the first practical silicon solar cell in 1954.
53. The potential difference generated across a solar cell is typically about:
a) 50 V
b) 5 V
c) 0.5 V
d) 230 V
Answer: c) 0.5 V
Model Answer: A solar cell typically develops around 0.5 V.
54. The band gap energy is the difference between:
a) Voltage and current
b) Maximum VB energy and minimum CB energy
c) Power and resistance
d) Anode and cathode
Answer: b) Maximum VB energy and minimum CB energy
Model Answer: Band gap is the difference between conduction band minimum and valence band maximum.
55. A module is mainly used because a single solar cell:
a) Gives too much power
b) Gives very little power
c) Gives AC output
d) Has no voltage
Answer: b) Gives very little power
Model Answer: A single solar cell cannot supply practical household loads.
56. A solar panel generally has a junction box at the:
a) Front
b) Side only
c) Back
d) Bottom glass
Answer: c) Back
Model Answer: Solar panels typically have a junction box implemented at the back.
57. Which layer protects the back side of a solar module?
a) Busbar
b) Backsheet
c) Silicon grease
d) Switchgear
Answer: b) Backsheet
Model Answer: The backsheet protects the rear side of the module.
58. Solar PV modules are generally known for:
a) High failure rate
b) Low safety
c) Reliability and long life
d) Daily replacement needs
Answer: c) Reliability and long life
Model Answer: PV modules are safe, reliable, and have long service lifetimes.
59. In a battery charging system, the charge controller protects against:
a) Short circuits only
b) Overcharging and over-discharging
c) Sunlight reflection
d) Wind loading only
Answer: b) Overcharging and over-discharging
Model Answer: Protecting the battery is one of the main controller functions.
60. Temperature compensation in a controller helps:
a) Increase module weight
b) Adjust charging voltage with battery temperature
c) Make AC into DC
d) Reduce wire length
Answer: b) Adjust charging voltage with battery temperature
Model Answer: Temperature compensation helps maintain battery health.
61. Which of the following improves utilization of solar energy?
a) Unregulated charging
b) Charge controller efficiency
c) Open battery terminals
d) No load estimation
Answer: b) Charge controller efficiency
Model Answer: Proper control improves system efficiency.
62. Most computer components need:
a) AC power only
b) DC power
c) Mechanical power
d) Solar thermal power
Answer: b) DC power
Model Answer: Computers use rectifiers because internal components need DC.
63. A 24 V PV system may use a DC-DC converter before inversion to:
a) Lower sunlight
b) Raise DC voltage
c) Increase wind speed
d) Reduce battery size to zero
Answer: b) Raise DC voltage
Model Answer: DC-DC conversion may be used where higher DC input is needed by the inverter.
64. The main job of an inverter is:
a) Store power
b) Convert AC to DC
c) Convert DC to AC
d) Convert light to heat
Answer: c) Convert DC to AC
Model Answer: Inverter output is AC for loads or grid.
65. A battery bank in a solar system is used to:
a) Block sunlight
b) Store energy
c) Increase CO₂ emission
d) Replace the inverter
Answer: b) Store energy
Model Answer: Batteries store electrical energy in chemical form.
66. During battery discharge, electrons flow through the external circuit from:
a) Cathode to anode
b) Anode to cathode
c) Electrolyte to separator
d) Load to electrolyte
Answer: b) Anode to cathode
Model Answer: Electrons are released at the anode and move through the external circuit to the cathode.
67. The electrolyte mainly helps in:
a) Frame mounting
b) Ion movement
c) Glass cleaning
d) AC synchronization
Answer: b) Ion movement
Model Answer: Electrolyte enables ion flow and maintains charge balance.
68. The size of a solar power system depends mainly on:
a) Paint color
b) Energy use
c) Roof height only
d) Battery brand name
Answer: b) Energy use
Model Answer: System sizing starts from how much energy is consumed.
69. Continuous load means a load that:
a) Runs 24 hours or for long periods
b) Never uses electricity
c) Uses only DC
d) Works for one minute only
Answer: a) Runs 24 hours or for long periods
Model Answer: Continuous loads operate for long durations.
70. To determine total electrical load, one should understand:
a) Voltage, current, and power use over time
b) Module color only
c) Weather only
d) Inverter packaging
Answer: a) Voltage, current, and power use over time
Model Answer: Load estimation depends on electrical ratings and usage duration.
71. Solar feasibility study checks:
a) Only land area
b) Only finance
c) Technical, economic, and environmental viability
d) Only customer name
Answer: c) Technical, economic, and environmental viability
Model Answer: Feasibility study is a comprehensive assessment.
72. Which of the following is part of site suitability?
a) Sunlight and site conditions
b) Only logo design
c) Battery electrolyte color
d) Fan speed rating only
Answer: a) Sunlight and site conditions
Model Answer: Site suitability includes whether the location can support solar installation.
73. Which component of feasibility study considers local rules?
a) Regulatory considerations
b) Module lamination
c) Electron theory
d) Charge acceptance only
Answer: a) Regulatory considerations
Model Answer: Rules and permissions are part of regulatory considerations.
74. Which of the following helps identify areas with high solar potential?
a) Solar resource assessment
b) Battery charging only
c) AC wiring only
d) Panel cleaning
Answer: a) Solar resource assessment
Model Answer: Solar resource assessment evaluates sunlight availability.
75. Better solar potential generally leads to:
a) Lower energy yield
b) Higher energy yield
c) Zero output
d) Battery failure only
Answer: b) Higher energy yield
Model Answer: More solar resource means better output potential.
76. Which of the following supports better ROI in solar projects?
a) Low sunlight site
b) Accurate energy yield estimation
c) Random system design
d) Ignoring load requirement
Answer: b) Accurate energy yield estimation
Model Answer: Correct estimation improves project economics.
77. A household LED lamp is an example of:
a) Electrical load
b) Energy source
c) Power converter
d) Grid substation
Answer: a) Electrical load
Model Answer: Any device consuming electricity is a load.
78. The common output form of a solar module is:
a) AC
b) DC
c) Sound
d) Heat only
Answer: b) DC
Model Answer: Solar modules generate direct current.
79. Which of the following is a battery function in a PV system?
a) Grid transmission
b) Energy storage
c) Sun tracking
d) Shading analysis
Answer: b) Energy storage
Model Answer: Batteries store energy for later use.
80. A module string is generally formed by connecting:
a) Batteries in parallel
b) Cells or modules in series
c) Loads in open circuit
d) Inverters in water
Answer: b) Cells or modules in series
Model Answer: String formation commonly involves series connection to raise voltage.