Question

In the code below when #{bean.renderPanel1} evaluates to false the method in the ui:repeat is still called.

1. Is this the expected behavior?
2. Is there a way to prevent this call from happening. For example, using something other than h:panelGroup but not c:if

<h:panelGroup id="panel1" rendered="#{bean.renderPanel1}">      
  <ui:repeat value="#{bean.panelOneItems}" var="item">                                  

  </ui:repeat>                  
</h:panelGroup>

Answer 1

In the code below when #{bean.renderPanel1} evaluates to true the method in the ui:repeat is still called.

Yes, this is fully expected behaviour. It will only not be called when the rendered attribute evaluates to false.