UPSC Prelims 2018 Question:

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?

Explanation:

• A wafer is a thin piece of semiconductor material, normally silicon crystal. These wafers are used to fabricate integrated circuits (ICs) and other micro devices. Silicon wafers are available in a variety of sizes ranging from 25.4 mm (1 inch) to 300 mm (11.8 inches). Solar panels are also called modules. Solar panel Cells are made with wafers. Silicon is the primary raw material used in the manufacturing of Modules. India is majorly dependent on foreign imports of raw silicon and the wafers made of it. China is the biggest producer and exporter of silicon. So, statement 1 is not correct.
  
  

• Solar power tariffs are determined and fixed by regulations framed by Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) and State Electricity Regulatory Commission (SERC). So, statement 2 is not correct.
  
  

Therefore, option (4) is the correct answer.

Subject: Environment | Renewable and Energy Resources