The year 2024 marked a turning point for Brazil’s clean energy sector, with solar energy taking center stage in the national energy matrix. Driven by billion-dollar investments, technological advancements, and structural public policies, solar energy has solidified itself as a cornerstone of the country’s energy transition.
According to the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (ABSOLAR), Brazil added 9.3 gigawatts (GW) of new installed capacity in 2024, reaching a cumulative total of 45.5 GW. This growth represented a 26% increase compared to 2023, positioning Brazil as the sixth-largest global solar energy market and reaffirming its leadership position in Latin America.
Distributed generation, consisting of systems installed on rooftops, small plots, and facades, accounted for 70% of this growth, totaling 31 GW. This model allowed thousands of residential, commercial, and industrial consumers to become micro-energy generators, reducing their electricity bills by up to 95% and promoting greater energy independence.
Meanwhile, centralized generation, represented by large solar plants, added 4.3 GW to the national power system. These projects not only expanded generation capacity but also reinforced Brazil’s commitment to diversifying its energy matrix, which still heavily relies on hydropower.
The solar sector moved more than R$ 38.9 billion in investments throughout 2024, according to ABSOLAR. This amount drove the creation of 281,600 new direct and indirect jobs, ranging from equipment manufacturing to system installation and maintenance. Since 2012, the sector has generated over 1.4 million jobs in Brazil, with projections to reach 3.5 million by 2030.
On the environmental front, solar energy avoided the emission of approximately 24 million tons of CO₂ in 2024. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), this impact is equivalent to planting 170 million trees over 20 years, a significant milestone in combating climate change.
While the results are encouraging, the sector faced critical challenges in 2024, particularly in transmission infrastructure. In states like Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, the grid’s capacity was insufficient to handle the expansion of solar and wind generation. According to the National Electric System Operator (ONS), about 20% of the energy generated in these states failed to reach the grid, resulting in financial losses estimated at R$ 2 billion.
To address this issue, the federal government announced an investment package for new transmission lines, with auctions scheduled for 2025. The goal is to prevent “electric congestion” and ensure that renewable generation growth is not hindered.
Technology continued to play a central role in the evolution of the solar sector in 2024. Bifacial solar panels, which capture light on both sides, became standard in large-scale projects, increasing energy efficiency by up to 20%. Additionally, battery storage systems gained traction, allowing consumers to store excess energy for nighttime use or during periods of higher demand.
In research, Brazilian scientists led projects to develop organic solar cells, which are more accessible and sustainable than traditional silicon-based ones. These advancements have the potential to further democratize access to clean energy in the country.
Solar energy projects in low-income communities gained relevance in 2024, promoting social inclusion and local development. A notable example is the Revolusolar project, which installed solar panels in 50 homes in the Babilônia favela in Rio de Janeiro. The initiative not only reduced energy costs for the beneficiary families but also trained residents to work in the installation and maintenance of solar systems, creating new job opportunities.
Internationally, Brazil stood out at the 15th Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM), held in Brasília. The event brought together global leaders to discuss the future of renewable energy and reinforced Brazil’s role as a clean energy powerhouse. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Brazil accounts for 70% of the installed solar capacity in Latin America, consolidating its position as a regional reference.
Prospects for 2025: What to Expect?
The projections for 2025 are equally promising. According to ABSOLAR, Brazil is expected to add 13.2 GW of new solar capacity, representing a 25.6% growth compared to 2024. Of this total, 8.5 GW is expected to come from distributed generation, while 4.7 GW will come from large-scale plants.
With investments estimated at R$ 40 billion, the solar sector will continue to create jobs, boost the economy, and reduce reliance on fossil and hydroelectric energy sources. However, experts emphasize the need to accelerate transmission projects and ensure a stable regulatory environment—conditions essential for sustaining growth momentum.
The year 2024 will be remembered as one of the most significant in the history of clean energy in Brazil. The expansion of solar energy not only reinforced the country’s commitment to sustainability but also generated significant economic and social impacts. With challenges overcome and optimistic prospects, Brazil continues to lead the energy transition in Latin America and inspire the world with its renewable potential.
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