Q. With reference to technologies for solar power production, consider the following statements:

  1. ‘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.
  2. Photovoltaics generate 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 statement(s) given above is/are correct?

  • 1 only
  • 2 and 3 only
  • 1, 2 and 3
  • None

Answer: (a) 1 only

Notes
  • Photovoltaic (PV) devices generate electricity directly from sunlight using PV cells made up of semiconductors.
  • Photovoltaic devices convert optional radiation into electricity.
  • Several solar thermal systems can collect and transform radiant energy received from the sun into high-temperature thermal (heat) energy, which can be used directly or converted into electricity.
  • Solar energy can be converted directly into electrical energy (direct current, DC) by photovoltaic (PV) cells commonly called solar cells.
  • India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology as well as for Photovoltaics.
photovoltaic cell