With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements: 1. ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process. 2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC). 3. India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

QUESTION

Hard

Environment & Ecology

Prelims 2014

With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:

‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direct conversion of light into electricity, while ‘Solar Thermal’ is a technology that utilizes the Sun’s rays to generate heat which is further used in the electricity generation process.
Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductors (like silicon) — this is a direct conversion of light to electrical energy. Solar Thermal technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight to produce heat, which then drives a turbine to generate electricity (an indirect process).

Statement 2 is incorrect: Photovoltaic systems generate Direct Current (DC), which is usually converted into Alternating Current (AC) through an inverter for grid use. Solar Thermal systems generate heat energy, which is used to produce AC electricity through conventional turbines.

Statement 3 is incorrect: India has a manufacturing base for solar photovoltaics (PV) — including solar cells, modules, and panels (e.g., companies like Adani Solar, Vikram Solar, and Tata Power Solar). The solar thermal manufacturing base in India is limited and largely focused on small-scale applications like water heating.

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