Brasília – Average savings when using solar energy instead of grid power can reach up to 90%. The estimate is from the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (ABSOLAR). The sector, which has been increasingly growing in Brazil, already sits 3rd place in power generation, behind wind and electricity. Pictured above, merely illustrative, solar panels being installed.
The country surpassed the mark of 19 gigawatts (GW) of installed power from the photovoltaic solar source. Of this number, 13 are installed on roofs, facades, and small plots of land, and the remainder corresponds to large-scale plants. The sector considers the number historical, and based on it, the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (CNI) estimates installed capacity could double by early 2023.
The president of ABSOLAR, Rodrigo Sauaia, said increased prices for electricity bills and the reduction of costs for installing photovoltaic panels could explain the growth of this type of energy in the Brazilian market. Since 2012, according to ABSOLAR data, solar power has brought BRL 10 billion (about USD 1.93 billion) in new investments to Brazil, in addition to 640,000 jobs.
Solar energy is considered a clean source that does not generate waste or pollution. According to ABSOLAR, this energy avoided the emission of almost 28 million tonnes of CO2 (carbon dioxide) in power generation. The installation cost, however, is not low. For households, the average price is BRL 25,000 (about USD 4,838), and for industries, up to BRL 200,000 (about USD 38,700). Sauaia also stated these costs could drop. As the savings in monthly electricity bills are high, the investment can be recovered in a few years.
Translated by Elúsio Brasileiro
