Q: With reference to technologies for solar power
production, consider the following statements:
a) ’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.
b) Photovoltaics generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).
c) India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for Photovoltaics.
The Correct Answer is Option 1.
Photovoltaic (PV) devices
- It generates electricity directly from sunlight using PV cells made up of semiconductors.
- It converts 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. Hence Statement 1 is Correct.
- Solar energy can be converted directly into electrical energy (direct current, DC) by photovoltaic (PV) cells commonly called solar cells. Hence Statement 2 is Not Correct.
- India has a manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology as well as for Photovoltaics. Hence Statement 3 is Not Correct.
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