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Q18 (IAS/2020) Science & Technology › New Materials, Energy & Environment-linked Tech › Solar energy technologies Official Key

With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements : 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not for submersible pumps. 2. Solar power can be used for running centrifugal pumps and not the ones with piston. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: D
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 4 (Neither 1 nor 2) because both statements are technically incorrect regarding the versatility of solar energy applications in irrigation.

  • Statement 1 is incorrect: Solar energy can power both surface pumps (used for shallow water sources like ponds) and submersible pumps (used for deep wells or borewells). The type of pump depends on the water table depth, not the power source.
  • Statement 2 is incorrect: Solar power is compatible with various mechanical designs. While centrifugal pumps are common for high-flow requirements, solar energy can also drive piston pumps (positive displacement pumps), which are often preferred for high-head, low-flow situations or when high pressure is needed.

Since solar photovoltaic systems generate electricity that can be converted to run any type of electric motor (AC or DC), there are no inherent technical limitations that restrict solar power to only surface or centrifugal pumps. Therefore, both restrictive statements are false.

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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. With reference to solar water pumps, consider the following statements : 1. Solar power can be used for running surface pumps and not fo…
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a 'Common Sense Science' question disguised as a technical one. It tests the fundamental property of Solar PV (it generates electricity) rather than specific pump mechanics. The restrictive phrasing ('and not') is a classic UPSC trap designed to test if you understand that electricity is technology-agnostic.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Can solar photovoltaic (PV) power be used to run surface water pumps in solar water pumping systems?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > Solar Energy Sector > p. 449
Presence: 5/5
“The world's second-largest solar park or photovoltaic (PV) power station named Shakti Sthala is at Pavagada in Karnataka with a capacity of 2,050 MW. • Solar Pumps Around 2.5 lakh solar pumps had been installed for irrigation and drinking water purposes by 2019-20. • Solar Cities 56 solar city projects have been approved under the development of solar cities programme. • Surya Mitra Scheme aims at training 50,000 personnel or Surya Mitras in solar energy sector within a period of 5 years from 2015-20.”
Why this source?
  • Explicit mention of 'solar pumps' installed for irrigation and drinking water implies PV-based pumping is in operational use.
  • Installation figure (around 2.5 lakh) shows practical deployment of solar pumping systems at scale.
  • Context ties solar pumps to water supply applications (irrigation/drinking), matching 'surface water pumps' use-case.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Solar Energy > p. 28
Presence: 4/5
“The Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) technology enables the conversion of solar radiation into electricity without involving any moving part like turbine. Over 650,000 solar PV systems have been installed in the country. In many parts of the country, the solar energy programmes have been implemented. One such example is the Rural Energy Co-operative at Sagar Island in the Sundarban Delta of West Bengal. Similar programmes have been implemented in the other islands in the Bay of Bengal, the desert of Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Kalyanpur (Aligarh), and Coimbatore (Fig. 8.8).”
Why this source?
  • Defines Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) technology as conversion of solar radiation directly into electricity, the fundamental enabler for electrically driven pumps.
  • Notes widespread installation of solar PV systems, supporting availability of PV as a power source for equipment like pumps.
NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World > Solar Energy > p. 117
Presence: 3/5
“India is a tropical country. It has enormous possibilities of tapping solar energy. Photovoltaic technology converts sunlight directly into electricity. Solar energy is fast becoming popular in rural and remote areas. Some big solar power plants are being established in different parts of India which will minimise the dependence of rural households on firewood and dung cakes, which in turn will contribute to environmental conservation and adequate supply of manure in agriculture.”
Why this source?
  • States photovoltaic technology converts sunlight directly into electricity and is popular in rural and remote areas where many water-pumping needs exist.
  • Implies suitability of PV for off-grid applications such as powering pumps in areas lacking conventional electricity.
Statement 2
Can solar photovoltaic (PV) power be used to run submersible pumps in solar water pumping systems?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Solar Energy > p. 28
Presence: 5/5
“The Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) technology enables the conversion of solar radiation into electricity without involving any moving part like turbine. Over 650,000 solar PV systems have been installed in the country. In many parts of the country, the solar energy programmes have been implemented. One such example is the Rural Energy Co-operative at Sagar Island in the Sundarban Delta of West Bengal. Similar programmes have been implemented in the other islands in the Bay of Bengal, the desert of Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Kalyanpur (Aligarh), and Coimbatore (Fig. 8.8).”
Why this source?
  • Defines Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) as converting solar radiation directly into electricity (no moving parts), establishing PV as an electrical power source.
  • If PV produces electricity directly, it can supply electrical devices such as pumps used in water systems.
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > Solar Energy Sector > p. 449
Presence: 4/5
“The world's second-largest solar park or photovoltaic (PV) power station named Shakti Sthala is at Pavagada in Karnataka with a capacity of 2,050 MW. • Solar Pumps Around 2.5 lakh solar pumps had been installed for irrigation and drinking water purposes by 2019-20. • Solar Cities 56 solar city projects have been approved under the development of solar cities programme. • Surya Mitra Scheme aims at training 50,000 personnel or Surya Mitras in solar energy sector within a period of 5 years from 2015-20.”
Why this source?
  • Reports large-scale installation of solar pumps for irrigation and drinking water (around 2.5 lakh by 2019–20), demonstrating practical deployment of solar-driven pumping systems.
  • Shows solar-powered pumping is already used for water supply, supporting feasibility of powering pumps (including submersible types) with solar electricity.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 6: Environmental Degradation and Management > i) Solar Energy or Photovoltaic (Pv) Energy > p. 51
Presence: 3/5
“(i) Solar Energy or Photovoltaic (Pv) Energy Solar energy is one of the most important sources of green electricity. Solar energy is non-exhaustible, reliable and pollution free. It may be utilised for water heaters, power generation devices, airconditioning, space heating, development of pisci-culture, multifarious uses of water and refrigeration. Tis energy is generated by converting sunlight directly into electricity even on cloudy days, using semi-conductor technology. Even in the winter season a useful amount of hot water can be produced from roof top collectors. Te buildings are also designed in such a way in which solar energy may be generated and utilised.”
Why this source?
  • Lists water-related applications of solar energy (water heaters, development of pisciculture, multifarious uses of water), linking solar energy to water-sector technologies.
  • Reinforces that solar energy is applied in water uses, consistent with powering water pumps.
Statement 3
Can solar photovoltaic (PV) power be used to run centrifugal pumps in solar water pumping systems?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > Solar Energy Sector > p. 449
Presence: 4/5
“The world's second-largest solar park or photovoltaic (PV) power station named Shakti Sthala is at Pavagada in Karnataka with a capacity of 2,050 MW. • Solar Pumps Around 2.5 lakh solar pumps had been installed for irrigation and drinking water purposes by 2019-20. • Solar Cities 56 solar city projects have been approved under the development of solar cities programme. • Surya Mitra Scheme aims at training 50,000 personnel or Surya Mitras in solar energy sector within a period of 5 years from 2015-20.”
Why this source?
  • Records large-scale deployment of 'solar pumps' for irrigation and drinking water, showing solar-powered pumping systems are in practical use.
  • Implies that solar energy is already applied to water-lifting needs at scale, consistent with powering electrical pumps.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Solar Energy > p. 28
Presence: 4/5
“The Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) technology enables the conversion of solar radiation into electricity without involving any moving part like turbine. Over 650,000 solar PV systems have been installed in the country. In many parts of the country, the solar energy programmes have been implemented. One such example is the Rural Energy Co-operative at Sagar Island in the Sundarban Delta of West Bengal. Similar programmes have been implemented in the other islands in the Bay of Bengal, the desert of Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Kalyanpur (Aligarh), and Coimbatore (Fig. 8.8).”
Why this source?
  • Defines Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) technology as converting solar radiation directly into electricity, which is the form of power required by electric centrifugal pumps.
  • Notes extensive installation of SPV systems in the country, indicating feasibility and availability of PV-generated electricity for devices like pumps.
INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Solar Energy > p. 61
Presence: 3/5
“Sun rays tapped in photovoltaic cells can be converted into energy, known as solar energy. The two effective processes considered to be very effective to tap solar energy are photovoltaics and solar thermal technology. Solar thermal technology has some relative advantages over all other non-renewable energy sources. It is cost competitive, environment friendly and easy to construct. Solar energy is 7 per cent more effective than coal or oil based plants and 10 per cent more effective than nuclear plants. It is generally used more in appliances like heaters, crop dryers, cookers, etc. The western part of India has greater potential for the development of solar energy in Gujarat and Rajasthan.”
Why this source?
  • Distinguishes photovoltaics as a route to harness solar energy (i.e., generate electricity) versus solar thermal, clarifying that PV is appropriate where electrical power is needed.
  • Mentions solar energy uses in water-related appliances, supporting the application of PV electricity to water systems.
Statement 4
Can solar photovoltaic (PV) power be used to run piston (reciprocating) pumps in solar water pumping systems?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > Solar Energy Sector > p. 449
Presence: 4/5
“The world's second-largest solar park or photovoltaic (PV) power station named Shakti Sthala is at Pavagada in Karnataka with a capacity of 2,050 MW. • Solar Pumps Around 2.5 lakh solar pumps had been installed for irrigation and drinking water purposes by 2019-20. • Solar Cities 56 solar city projects have been approved under the development of solar cities programme. • Surya Mitra Scheme aims at training 50,000 personnel or Surya Mitras in solar energy sector within a period of 5 years from 2015-20.”
Why this source?
  • Reports large numbers of 'solar pumps' installed for irrigation and drinking water, showing PV-driven pumping is an implemented application.
  • Implies practical deployment of solar-powered pumping systems at scale in agriculture and water supply.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Solar Energy > p. 28
Presence: 4/5
“The Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) technology enables the conversion of solar radiation into electricity without involving any moving part like turbine. Over 650,000 solar PV systems have been installed in the country. In many parts of the country, the solar energy programmes have been implemented. One such example is the Rural Energy Co-operative at Sagar Island in the Sundarban Delta of West Bengal. Similar programmes have been implemented in the other islands in the Bay of Bengal, the desert of Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Kalyanpur (Aligarh), and Coimbatore (Fig. 8.8).”
Why this source?
  • Explains that solar photovoltaic (SPV) technology converts solar radiation directly into electricity.
  • Direct electrical output from PV can power electrically driven devices (no turbine required), including pumps.
Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 26: Agriculture > Soil Conservation and Sound Farming Techniques > p. 245
Presence: 3/5
“The modern farms in India use tube wells which have electrically operated pumps. These can raise water from depths”
Why this source?
  • Notes modern farms use tube wells with electrically operated pumps, showing common agricultural pump types are electrically driven.
  • Links the existence of electrically driven agricultural pumps to a potential power source from PV electricity.
Pattern takeaway: UPSC Science & Tech questions often use the format 'Technology X can do A but not B'. In 95% of cases, these restrictive statements are FALSE because technology is usually versatile. If a technology provides a fundamental resource (like electricity), it inherits all applications of that resource.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Logical Sitter. While books mention 'Solar Pumps' (Singhania, Majid Husain), the specific answer comes from First Principles logic, not a direct line in a text.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Renewable Energy Applications in Agriculture (specifically the PM-KUSUM scheme context active in 2019-20).
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: PM-KUSUM Components (A: Grid-connected plants, B: Off-grid pumps, C: Solarization of existing pumps); AC vs DC Solar Pumps; Solar Thermal vs Solar PV; Net Metering in agriculture.
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Do not memorize lists of 'what solar can run'. Instead, map the energy conversion chain: Solar PV → Electricity → Motor. Since both surface and submersible pumps use electric motors, solar can run both. If the input (electricity) is compatible, the device works.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) electricity conversion
💡 The insight

SPV converts sunlight directly into electricity, which is the electrical input required to run surface water pumps.

High-yield concept for questions on renewable energy applications and appropriate technology choices; links to topics on off-grid electrification, rural development, and technical feasibility of agricultural interventions. Mastery allows candidates to justify use-cases (e.g., pumps, lighting) where direct DC/AC electricity from PV is suitable.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Solar Energy > p. 28
  • NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World > Solar Energy > p. 117
🔗 Anchor: "Can solar photovoltaic (PV) power be used to run surface water pumps in solar wa..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Solar pumps for irrigation and drinking water
💡 The insight

Solar-powered pumps are deployed specifically for irrigation and drinking water, demonstrating a primary application of PV in water supply.

Directly relevant to questions on rural infrastructure, agricultural policy, and sustainable water management; helps frame policy answers about subsidy programs, deployment scale, and benefits to remote areas. Enables argumentation on technology choice for decentralized water systems.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > Solar Energy Sector > p. 449
  • NCERT. (2022). Contemporary India II: Textbook in Geography for Class X (Revised ed.). NCERT. > Chapter 5: Print Culture and the Modern World > Solar Energy > p. 117
🔗 Anchor: "Can solar photovoltaic (PV) power be used to run surface water pumps in solar wa..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 India's solar resource and scalability for deployments
💡 The insight

Large solar insolation and national PV potential make large-scale deployment of PV solutions like water pumps feasible across India.

Useful for linking resource potential to policy and implementation feasibility in UPSC answers; connects to topics on renewable energy targets, rural electrification, and climate-resilient agriculture. Helps justify scale-up recommendations and assess program viability.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > zz.r.3 Potential of solar energy in India > p. 288
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > Solar Energy Sector > p. 449
🔗 Anchor: "Can solar photovoltaic (PV) power be used to run surface water pumps in solar wa..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Photovoltaic (PV) electricity generation
💡 The insight

PV converts sunlight directly into electricity, which is the fundamental basis for powering electrical loads such as pumps.

Core to questions on renewable energy technology and policy; mastering PV fundamentals helps answer how solar can replace or supplement grid power in sectors like irrigation, rural electrification and water supply. It links to technical, economic and deployment questions across energy and agriculture topics.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Solar Energy > p. 28
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Solar Energy > p. 61
🔗 Anchor: "Can solar photovoltaic (PV) power be used to run submersible pumps in solar wate..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Solar water pumping systems
💡 The insight

Solar-powered pumps are deployed for irrigation and drinking water, demonstrating a direct application of PV in water supply.

High-yield for UPSC questions on rural development, agricultural electrification and state/national schemes; understanding this enables answers on technology adoption, benefits for farmers, and policy interventions for water-security and renewable energy.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 15: Infrastructure > Solar Energy Sector > p. 449
🔗 Anchor: "Can solar photovoltaic (PV) power be used to run submersible pumps in solar wate..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 India's solar resource potential
💡 The insight

India receives high solar insolation and has large theoretical solar energy potential, underpinning large-scale use cases like solar pumping.

Important for policy and infrastructure questions (capacity potential, planning renewable targets, regional deployment). Knowing solar potential supports arguments for scaling PV applications across sectors such as water pumping and hybrid systems.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment, Shankar IAS Acedemy .(ed 10th) > Chapter 22: Renewable Energy > zz.r.3 Potential of solar energy in India > p. 288
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Solar Energy > p. 27
🔗 Anchor: "Can solar photovoltaic (PV) power be used to run submersible pumps in solar wate..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) electricity generation
💡 The insight

PV converts sunlight directly into electricity that can power electric pumps in water-pumping systems.

High-yield for energy and geography portions: explains how renewable electricity is produced and applied to rural infrastructure. Connects to questions on renewable deployment, decentralised power, and technology selection for development projects.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 8: Energy Resources > Solar Energy > p. 28
  • INDIA PEOPLE AND ECONOMY, TEXTBOOK IN GEOGRAPHY FOR CLASS XII (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Mineral and Energy Resources > Solar Energy > p. 61
🔗 Anchor: "Can solar photovoltaic (PV) power be used to run centrifugal pumps in solar wate..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

PM-KUSUM Component C allows 'Solarization of Grid-connected pumps'. The logical next question is about 'Net Metering'—farmers can sell surplus power back to the grid. Also, distinguish between Solar PV (electricity) and Solar Thermal (heat)—Solar Thermal cannot directly run an electric pump without a complex heat engine.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

Apply the 'Artificial Restriction' Heuristic. Both statements use the structure '...and not [Alternative Type]'. In Science/Tech, unless there is a fundamental law of physics preventing it (e.g., 'Sound cannot travel in a vacuum'), such arbitrary limitations are almost always incorrect. Solar PV produces electricity; electricity doesn't care if the pump is centrifugal or piston-based. Mark both wrong.

🔗 Mains Connection

Link this to GS3 (Energy & Economy): Solar pumps are not just about irrigation; they are a solution to the 'Discom Debt Crisis'. By removing the need for heavily subsidized agricultural electricity, schemes like KUSUM reduce the fiscal burden on State Discoms.

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