With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:

1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2018 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

• India currently does not manufacture any silicon chips for solar energy and instead relies on importing all the materials used to assemble solar panels.
• The development of semiconductor clusters in India is still in progress.
• To establish the world’s largest solar power plant, India has announced plans to invest $480 million in building its first unit for manufacturing solar silicon cells.
• The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission is responsible for regulating the tariffs of generating companies under the Central Government’s ownership or control.
• The Solar Energy Corporation of India Limited (SECI) holds a license for power trading.

Therefore, option (d) is the correct answer.