Solar energy surpasses wind and becomes the 2nd largest source in Brazil, says Absolar

Photovoltaic solar energy has become the second largest source of electricity in Brazil, reaching this Tuesday (3) the mark of 23.9 gigawatts (GW) of operational installed power, surpassing wind power, with 23.8 GW, according to survey by the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (Absolar).

The greater importance of solar energy for the country — 11.2% of the matrix, now second only to hydropower, with 51.3% — occurs amid strong growth in the wake of economic incentives for the installation of small-scale photovoltaic plants. large scale, given the lower costs of the source and its environmental benefits.

Last year, the installed capacity of solar energy in the country expanded by more than 60%, and in recent months, the pace of growth has been practically 1 GW per month.

According to Absolar, the 23.9 GW are distributed in 16 GW of distributed generation — small-scale plants, such as facades and solar roofs on homes and businesses — and 7.9 GW of centralized generation — large enterprises that sell energy for both the regulated and free market.

“(Solar) technology helps to diversify the country’s electricity matrix, increase supply security, reduce pressure on water resources and protect the population against further increases in the electricity bill,” said Absolar’s CEO, Rodrigo Sauaia, in note.

Solar becomes the second most representative source of the Brazilian matrix as it prepares for important changes in the rules for distributed generation, the main driver of its growth in recent years.

On January 6, the period ends for consumers to file requests with energy distributors to connect their micro and mini energy generation systems and guarantee exemption from fees for using the distribution network. The sector even tried to articulate an extension of this deadline through a bill — the initiative was approved in the Chamber, but was not appreciated in time in the Senate.