UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 72
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?
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: A
Correct Option: A
Explanation: Photovoltaics convert light directly into electricity, whereas solar-thermal technologies use solar heat. PV output is DC and India had PV manufacturing too.
Statement/Pair-wise Analysis:
Statement/Item 1: Correct - PV produces electricity directly; solar-thermal systems harness heat and may use a power cycle.
Statement/Item 2: Incorrect - PV modules output direct current, normally inverted to AC for grid supply; the statement reverses the technologies.
Statement/Item 3: Incorrect - India had domestic photovoltaic cell/module manufacturing in addition to solar-thermal capabilities.
Option-wise Analysis:
A: Correct - includes all and only the correct items.
B: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/items 2, 3; omits correct statement/item 1.
C: Incorrect - includes incorrect statement/items 2, 3.
D: Incorrect - omits correct statement/item 1.