A survey recently released by ABSOLAR (Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy) points out that Brazil has sured the mark of 600 thousand consumer units with their own energy generation from solar sources. In absolute numbers, residential consumers appear at the top of the list, with 74,9% of the total consumer units. Next come the sectors of commerce and services (15,5%), rural producers (7,0%), industries (2,3%), public authorities (0,4%) and other types, such as public services (0,03%) and public lighting (0,01%).
Furthermore, solar power generation is already present in 5.297 municipalities and in all Brazilian states. The five leading municipalities are Cuiabá (MT), Brasília (DF), Uberlândia (MG), Teresina (PI) and Rio de Janeiro (RJ), respectively. Since 2012, this modality has represented more than 5,5 GW of operational installed capacity, attracting more than R$28 billion in new investments and generating more than 166 thousand jobs in the country.
In understanding the ABSOLAR, although it has made progress in recent years, Brazil continues to lag behind in the use of its own energy generation. “Of the more than 86,3 million electricity consumers in the country, less than 0,7% already use the sun to produce clean, renewable and competitive electricity,” highlights the association.
Legal framework
For ABSOLAR, the approval of the Legal Framework for this modality will be the best way to avoid setbacks and democratize self-generation in Brazil. The Legal Framework is ready for voting in the Chamber of Deputies, through Bill (PL) No. 5.829/2019, authored by federal deputy Silas Câmara and reported by federal deputy Lafayette de Andrada.
“Solar energy will play an increasingly strategic role in achieving the country's economic and environmental development goals, especially at this time, to help the economy recover after the pandemic, as it is the renewable source that generates the most jobs in the world,” said the president of ABSOLAR, Rodrigo Sauaia.
“Solar energy has helped to lower the electricity bill of all Brazilians by reducing the use of fossil thermoelectric plants, which are expensive, polluting and responsible for red flags, in addition to reducing electrical losses and investments in infrastructure, which are also charged on energy bills”, commented the president of the entity’s Board of Directors, Ronaldo Koloszuk.
