With reference to technologies 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?
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- None
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct
- Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductors such as silicon, representing a direct conversion of solar energy into electrical energy. In contrast, solar thermal technology concentrates sunlight using mirrors or lenses to generate heat, which is then used to drive turbines and produce electricity, making it an indirect process.
Statement 2 is incorrect
- Photovoltaic systems produce Direct Current (DC), which is typically converted into Alternating Current (AC) using an inverter for practical and grid applications. Solar thermal systems, on the other hand, generate heat energy that is used to run turbines and produce AC electricity.
Statement 3 is incorrect
- India possesses a manufacturing base for both solar thermal technology and photovoltaic systems.
