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?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Statement 1 is incorrect

• Silicon wafer is a material used for producing semiconductors, which can be found in all types of electronic devices. India largely depends on imports from other countries for raw silicon and silicon wafers.

Statement 2 is incorrect

• Solar power tariffs in India are governed by the Electricity Act, 2003. At the central level, the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) regulates tariffs for inter-state and centrally owned projects, while SERCs handle intra-state projects at the state level. For most utility-scale projects, tariffs are not fixed administratively but are discovered through tariff-based competitive bidding under Section 63 of the Act, where agencies like SECI and NTPC conduct e-reverse auctions and award projects to the lowest bidders. CERC then validates the process and formally adopts the tariff. The Ministry of Power and MNRE provide the policy guidelines that govern how these bids are structured

Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2; Difficulty Level: Hard