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?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Best answer
Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Statement 1 is incorrect. India is not the third largest manufacturer of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic (PV) cells. Indian solar manufacturing has depended heavily on imported cells and wafers, mostly from China, which dominates global wafer production.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) implements schemes and conducts auctions for solar power, but it does not determine tariffs. Tariffs are determined by the electricity regulatory commissions (the Central Electricity Regulatory Commission and State commissions) or discovered through competitive bidding.
This question appeared in the UPSC Civil Services Prelims 2018, and the official answer is (d).
Log in or create a free account to answer this question.
