Question 67
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?
AOptions
BSolution
Let's analyze the statements regarding solar power production in India:
1. India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units. This statement is incorrect. The global manufacturing of silicon wafers for photovoltaic (PV) units is heavily dominated by China, followed by other East Asian countries. India has been making efforts to increase its domestic manufacturing capacity in solar cells and modules, but it is not currently among the top three in silicon wafer manufacturing.
2. The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India. This statement is incorrect. Solar power tariffs in India are primarily determined through a competitive bidding process, usually reverse auctions, conducted by various implementing agencies, which include central entities like the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) and NTPC, as well as state-level agencies. SECI facilitates auctions but does not unilaterally 'determine' all tariffs; rather, tariffs are discovered through the market mechanism of bidding.
Therefore, neither statement 1 nor statement 2 is correct.
CStrategy
For questions on economic sectors and government policies, be wary of absolute claims or superlatives (e.g., 'third largest'). Understand the mechanisms of price determination (e.g., market-based vs. regulatory body). Verify factual data related to industrial capacities and regulatory bodies' roles.
DSyllabus Analysis
This question pertains to the Indian Economy, specifically the Energy Sector, Renewable Energy policies, and industrial manufacturing capacity.
EQuestion Analysis
Difficult. Requires specific knowledge of India's manufacturing standing in the solar industry and the process of tariff determination.