With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:
- ‘Photovoltaics’ is a technology that generates electricity by direction 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 electricity generation process.
- Photovoltaics generate Alternating Current (AC), while solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
- India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2014 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 2 and 3
(d) None
Answer: (a)
Explanation:
- PV devices, consisting of semiconductors, can generate electricity directly from sunlight by converting the incoming radiation. This makes them a reliable source of electricity. Meanwhile, solar thermal systems can also capture radiant energy from the sun and convert it into high-temperature thermal energy, which can be directly utilized or transformed into electricity. Hence, Statement 1 is correct.
- Solar energy can be converted directly into electrical energy (direct current, DC) by photovoltaic (PV) cells commonly called solar cells. Hence Statement 2 is Not Correct.
- India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology as well as for Photovoltaics. Hence Statement 3 is Not Correct.
