Solar Energy

**Statement 1 is correct:** Photovoltaic (PV) technology converts sunlight directly into electricity using semiconductors (like silicon) — this is a direct conversion of light to electrical energy. Solar Thermal technology uses mirrors or lenses to concentrate sunlight to produce heat, which then drives a turbine to generate electricity (an indirect process). **Statement 2 is incorrect:** Photovoltaic systems generate Direct Current (DC), which is usually converted into Alternating Current (AC) through an inverter for grid use. Solar Thermal systems generate heat energy, which is used to produce AC electricity through conventional turbines. **Statement 3 is incorrect:** India has a manufacturing base for solar photovoltaics (PV) — including solar cells, modules, and panels (e.g., companies like Adani Solar, Vikram Solar, and Tata Power Solar). The solar thermal manufacturing base in India is limited and largely focused on small-scale applications like water heating.

The Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) is a Non-Banking Financial Institution under the administrative control of Ministry of New and Renewable Energy for providing term loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. **Statement 1 is correct:** IREDA is a Public Limited Government Company established under the Companies Act, 1956. **Statement 2 is correct:** IREDA is also registered as a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

**Statement 1 is correct:** The International Solar Alliance (ISA) was launched by India and France on November 30, 2015, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 21) in Paris. The primary aim of ISA is to promote solar energy deployment, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and support sustainable energy solutions, particularly in developing countries. **Statement 2 is incorrect:** Initially, ISA was open only to 121 solar-rich countries located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn (the "Sun Belt"), as these regions receive abundant solar radiation throughout the year. *However, in 2018, ISA expanded its membership to include all UN member states, allowing countries beyond the tropics to join and benefit from solar energy initiatives. This change made ISA a more inclusive global platform for promoting solar energy adoption worldwide.*

Net metering (also known as net energy metering) is a solar incentive that allows you to store energy in the electric grid. When your solar panels produce excess power, that energy is sent to the grid and in exchange, you can pull from the grid when your system is under-producing like during night-time.

Statement 1 is incorrect: India does not feature among the top three global manufacturers of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic (PV) units or solar cells. The top three manufacturers of silicon wafers for PV applications are China, Taiwan, and South Korea. Statement 2 is incorrect: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) is a government-owned company that facilitates the implementation of solar energy projects in the country, but it does not determine the solar power tariffs. The solar power tariffs in India are determined through a competitive bidding process conducted by various agencies. Hence, the correct answer is option (d) Neither 1 nor 2.

Solar pumps provide a clean, energy-efficient, and sustainable alternative to traditional electric and fuel-driven pump sets. They play a crucial role in environmentally friendly agriculture and can be implemented in both developed and underdeveloped regions. The main components in a solar pumping system include a photovoltaic (PV) array, an electric motor and a pump. Solar water pumping systems are classified as either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC) systems based on the motors ability. Recently, the concept of brushless DC (BLDC) motors for solar pumping water applications was presented as well. **Statement 1 is incorrect:** Solar power can be used to run both surface pumps and submersible pumps. The type of pump does not limit the use of solar power. **Statement 2 is incorrect:** Solar power can be used to run both centrifugal pumps and piston pumps. The type of pump, whether it's a centrifugal pump or a piston pump, does not limit the use of solar power. Hence, both statements 1 and 2 are incorrect.

**Statement 1 is incorrect.** India's Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan is the largest solar power park in the world. **Statement 2 is correct.** Kerala’s Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is the first airport in the world that would be running fully on solar power. **Statement 3 is incorrect.** The largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India is not in Goa but in Ramagundam, Telangana. The project is developed by NTPC (National Thermal Power Corporation Limited).