RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Brazil has passed the 13-gigawatt mark for electric power generated from sunlight. The historical record for the country was made possible by medium and large systems.
With this capacity, solar energy surpasses the power of fossil-fueled thermoelectric plants and occupies fifth place in the Brazilian electricity matrix.
Solar energy can be generated from panels called photovoltaic cells, installed on roofs, facades, terraces, or large areas of centralized power plants.
In recent years, alternative energy sources have become a lucrative business model. More than 66 billion reais have already been invested in the technology, generating more than 390,000 jobs since 2012.
The data was released by the Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (ABSOLAR), a consortium of companies and professionals in the sector created in 2013.
In addition, the use of renewable energy brings environmental benefits. According to the association, 14.7 million tons of carbon dioxide gas were no longer emitted when generating electricity from the sun.
In Brazil, solar energy is advancing by installing large plants and self-generation in homes, small businesses, rural properties, and public buildings.
Solar plants generate 4.6 gigawatts of power annually and are the sixth-largest generation source. Installed in nine states in the country, mainly in the northeastern region, they have already attracted almost R$24 billion (US$4.2 billion) in investments.
In the own energy generation segment, this technology is leading. Used in 99.9% of all connections in the country, it generates 8.4 gigawatts of power and is present in all regions of Brazil.
The president of ABSOLAR’s Board of Directors, Ronaldo Koloszuk, says in a statement that solar energy is competitive, affordable, and quick to install.
“Competitive and clean electric energy is fundamental for the country to recover its economy and achieve growth. The solar source is part of this solution and a true engine for generating opportunities and new jobs,” he says.
Besides everything, it helps to ease the consumers’ pockets. Up to 90% of household expenses can be reduced using this sustainable source.