With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements:
- India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.
- The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 4 — Neither 1 nor 2
Both statements about solar power production in India are incorrect. India is not among the top three global manufacturers of silicon wafers for photovoltaic units, and SECI does not determine solar power tariffs but facilitates project implementation.
❌ Statement 1 – Incorrect: India does not rank among the top three manufacturers of silicon wafers for photovoltaic units; China, Taiwan, and South Korea dominate this sector with China alone accounting for over 90% of global production.
❌ Statement 2 – Incorrect: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) does not determine solar power tariffs; tariffs are determined through a competitive bidding process conducted by various implementing agencies, with SECI acting as a facilitator and intermediary.
📝 Short Notes: Solar Power in India
- Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI): A government-owned enterprise under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), established in 2011 to facilitate solar energy deployment through competitive bidding, tendering, and project implementation.
- Tariff Determination: Solar power tariffs in India are market-driven and determined through reverse auction mechanisms where developers bid competitively; the lowest bidder wins the contract, ensuring cost-effective power procurement.
- Silicon Wafer Manufacturing: India's domestic solar manufacturing capacity is limited, with heavy reliance on imports (especially from China) for solar cells, modules, and silicon wafers; the government is promoting domestic manufacturing through Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes.
- Global Leaders: China dominates global solar manufacturing with over 90% market share in silicon wafers, followed by Taiwan and South Korea; India is focusing on building manufacturing capacity through policies like Atmanirbhar Bharat.
- India's Solar Capacity: India ranks among the top 5 countries globally in installed solar capacity and aims to achieve 500 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2030 as part of its climate commitments.
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