With reference to technology for solar power production consider the following statements 1 39 Photo...........

Geography Renewable Energy

With reference to technology for solar power production, consider the following statements :

1. '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.

2. Photovoltaics-generates Alternating Current (AC), while Solar Thermal generates Direct Current (DC).

3. India has manufacturing base for Solar Thermal technology, but not for photovoltaics.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Explanation:

The main difference between the two (solar PV and solar thermal) is on their operating principles. Solar PV relies on the photovoltaic effect. Here, the basic unit of light, the photon strikes a surface of a specially made material that causes the release of an electron. In solar thermal, however, it uses the sunlight to boil a fluid. This fluid can be water or any liquid, depending on its application.

Photovoltaics-generates Direct Current (DC) which needs an inverter to convert to AC for further application.

Photovoltaic solar panels generate DC power, that is, electrons are pushed in one direction only. Solar thermal does not generate electricity it convertion of solar radiation into heat.

India has manufacturing base for both solar thermal and photovoltaics.