Prelims 2014 · Science and Technology · Question 67
With reference to technology 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 electricity generation process. 2. Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC). 3. 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.