NABCEP Technical Sales Practice Exam

Disconnecting from the grid is essential for safety during outages in interactive photovoltaic (PV) systems. When there is a power outage, the electrical grid typically de-energizes to prevent hazards and protect utility workers who are repairing the lines. If a solar PV system remains connected to the grid during an outage, it can continue to generate electricity, creating a dangerous situation where live electricity can flow back into the grid, posing a risk to utility workers and anyone working on the restoration of power.

This disconnection not only ensures the safety of personnel but also the integrity of the system itself. In order for interactive PV systems to operate safely during an outage, they must have an automatic disconnection mechanism, often referred to as anti-islanding protection, which prevents back-feeding into the grid.

Other options, while relevant to various aspects of PV system operation, do not specifically address the safety concern during grid outages in the same direct way. For example, storing energy in batteries and using only solar power can enhance energy independence and resilience but do not inherently address the safety risks when there is a grid outage. Monitoring weather conditions is also important for overall system management but does not directly impact safety during power outages.