Solar Engineer Interview Questions and Answers

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Solar Engineer Interview Questions and Answers
Solar Engineer Interview Questions and Answers
  • Solar panels, 
  • Inverter, 
  • Charge controller (in off-grid systems), 
  • Battery storage (if used), 
  • Mounting structure, 
  • Wiring, & 
  • Monitoring system.

Efficiency = (Power output/(Solar irradiance x Area)) x 100%

  • Monocrystalline, 
  • Polycrystalline, and 
  • Thin-film.

MPPT – Maximum Power Point Tracker optimizes the power output from a solar panel by adjusting the voltage and current to find the maximum power point.

  • Sunlight intensity, 
  • Temperature, 
  • Shading, 
  • Orientation, 
  • Tilt angle, 
  • Dirt/dust on panels, and 
  • System losses.

Net metering allows consumers to export excess solar power to the grid and receive credits, reducing electricity bills.

It helps determine the potential solar energy a site can produce, impacting panel sizing and energy yield.

Evaluate 

  • Roof space (or) ground area, 
  • Solar access,
  • Shading, 
  • Orientation, 
  • Tilt, 
  • Structural integrity, and 
  • Local regulations.
  • Cable losses, 
  • Inverter losses, 
  • Shading losses, 
  • Temperature losses, and 
  • Mismatch losses between panels.

Based on energy consumption, available roof space, solar irradiance, and system losses.

  • PVsyst, 
  • HelioScope, 
  • AutoCAD, 
  • SketchUp, 
  • Homer Pro, and 
  • Excel.

Use PPE, follow lockout/tagout procedures, check for live wires, use fall protection, and follow local electrical codes.

Inspection of installation, system testing, inverter start-up, performance verification, and documentation.

Ground the metal components and electrical system to prevent electrical shock and protect against lightning or faults.

Typically every 6–12 months, depending on dust, pollution, & bird droppings.

  • Inverter failure, 
  • Loose connections, 
  • Panel degradation, 
  • Shading, and 
  • Ground faults.

Use I-V curve tracing, insulation resistance testing, and compare output over time with expected performance.

Through monitoring systems or software that track generation, consumption, and faults.

Typically 25–30 years with a gradual reduction in efficiency (usually ~0.5% per year).

Performance Ratio is the ratio of actual energy output to the theoretical energy output. 

Performance Ratio (PR) = (Actual output / Theoretical output) x 100%.

A higher PR indicates better system performance.

Solar energy 

  • Reduces greenhouse gas emissions, 
  • Decreases reliance on fossil fuels, 
  • Lowers air pollution, and 
  • Conserves water compared to conventional power generation.

Shading significantly reduces panel output and can cause hotspot damage, while soiling (dust/dirt) reduces light reaching the cells, lowering efficiency.

Regular cleaning and proper layout help mitigate these.

By referring to local electrical and building codes, obtaining required permits, following IEC/NEC/IS standards, and collaborating with certified professionals and authorities for inspections and approvals.