Prelims 2014 · Science and Technology · Question 67
With reference to technology 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 electricity generation process.
- Photovoltaics generates 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 statements given above is/are correct?
Answer
1 only
1. Correct. Photovoltaic (PV) cells convert sunlight directly into electricity, while solar thermal technology uses solar heat to produce steam/drive turbines for power generation.
2. Incorrect. PV cells inherently produce Direct Current (DC), which is converted to AC using an inverter; solar thermal plants typically generate electricity through turbines as AC, not DC.
3. Incorrect. India has a manufacturing base for photovoltaics (solar cells/modules). The statement saying India has solar thermal manufacturing but not photovoltaics is factually wrong.
Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct.