The element required for solar energy conversion is?

Question

Question

This question was previously asked in

Territorial Army Official Paper II (Conducted on 30 Jul 2017)

Answer 1

The correct answer is Silicon.

Solar Energy:
- Under identical conditions, as compared to a white or a reflecting surface, a black surface absorbs more heat.
- Solar water heaters and solar cookers use this property to work and hence these devices are useful only at certain times during the day.
- Above limitation is overcome by the use of solar cells that convert solar energy into electricity.
- Silicon is used for making solar cells, it is abundant in nature but the availability of the special grade silicon is limited.

Important Points

Solar cells are used for many scientific & technological applications like artificial satellites and space probes like Mars orbiters as the main source of energy.