One can choose to generate solar power through Photovoltaics
(PV) or Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) technologies. PV: Based
on the ‘photovoltaic effect’ of semiconductors, PV cells
generate power by converting solar irradiation to electrical
direct current. Photons from sunlight impart energy to the
semiconductor’s free electrons, bumping them up to the next
energy level. The electrons now behave as charge carriers and
their movement results in electric current. PV panels or modules
are formed by connecting a number of cells to one another, which
are then connected in multiples or arrays for large scale
production. The two PV modules in competition with each other
are crystalline silicon (c-Si) and thin film. So far in India,
thin film has been more popular due to the Domestic Content
Requirement (DCR) lobbied on c-Si modules in phase one of the
National Solar Mission (NSM). [Refer to the post ‘The Domestic
Content Requirement (DCR) in India‘ to know more.] India
currently has a total grid installed PV capaci