Brazil has just surpassed the historic milestone of 14 gigawatts (GW) of operational solar photovoltaic capacity, combining utility-scale plants and distributed self-generation systems on rooftops, facades, and small plots of land. Consequently, solar power now surpasses the installed capacity of the Itaipu hydroelectric plant, according to data from the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (ABSOLAR).
According to the association, solar power has already brought more than R$ 74.6 billion in new investments to Brazil, R$ 20.9 billion in public revenue, and has created over 420,000 cumulative jobs since 2012. Additionally, it has prevented the emission of 18.0 million tons of CO2 in electricity generation.
According to ABSOLAR CEO Rodrigo Sauaia, the advancement of solar energy in the country, through utility-scale plants and self-generation in homes, small businesses, rural properties, and public buildings, is fundamental for Brazil's social, economic, and environmental development. "This source helps diversify the country's electricity supply, reducing pressure on water resources and the risk of further increases in the population's electricity bills," he notes.
"Large-scale solar plants generate electricity at prices up to ten times lower than emergency fossil-fuel thermoelectric plants or electricity imported from neighboring countries, which are currently two of the main drivers behind tariff increases for consumers," Sauaia adds.
According to the association's analysis, the sector expects accelerated growth this year for operational solar systems in Brazil, especially self-generation solar systems, due to rising electricity tariffs and the enactment of Law No. 14,300/2022, which established the legal framework for self-generation. "Therefore, this is the best time to invest in solar energy, precisely because of the further increases already projected for Brazilians' electricity bills and the transition period provided by the law, which guarantees the maintenance of current rules until 2045 for consumers who install a rooftop solar system by January 2023," explains Ronaldo Koloszuk, President of the Board of Directors of ABSOLAR.
Brazil has 4.7 GW of installed capacity in utility-scale solar plants, equivalent to 2.4% of the country's electricity mix. Since 2012, large-scale solar plants have brought more than R$ 25.1 billion in new investments and over 142,000 cumulative jobs to Brazil, in addition to generating R$ 7.9 billion in public revenue.
Currently, utility-scale solar plants are the sixth-largest generation source in Brazil and are present in all regions of the country, with operating projects in nineteen Brazilian states and a portfolio of 31.6 GW authorized for development.
In the self-generation segment, there are 9.3 GW of installed solar capacity. This is equivalent to more than R$ 49.5 billion in investments, R$ 11.0 billion in public revenue, and approximately 278,000 cumulative jobs since 2012, spread across Brazil's five regions. Solar technology is currently used in 99.9% of all self-generation connections in the country, leading the segment by a wide margin.
Combining the installed capacities of utility-scale plants and solar self-generation, solar power ranks fifth in the Brazilian electricity mix. Solar energy has already surpassed the installed capacity of thermoelectric plants powered by oil and other fossil fuels in the country's electricity mix.
According to Koloszuk, in addition to being competitive and accessible, solar energy is quick to install and helps reduce the financial burden on consumers, lowering their electricity expenses by up to 90%. "Competitive and clean electricity is fundamental for the country to recover its economy and grow. Solar power is part of this solution and a true engine for generating opportunities and new jobs," the Board President concludes.
Via CicloVivo.
This article was written by CicloVivo. The translation is powered by AI.
