In recent years, solar energy has established itself as one of the main bets for the global energy transition, and Brazil stands out in this scenario. In 2024, the installed capacity of solar generation grew by 88% worldwide, surpassing hydroelectric and nuclear power, becoming the fourth-largest energy source. In Brazil, this expansion is driven by digitalization, automation, and technological cost reduction, making photovoltaic energy accessible to an increasing number of consumers.
The solar revolution in the country is propelled by the growth of so-called energytechs, startups specializing in the energy sector, which now total more than 250 in Brazil. The country leads the attraction of this type of company in Latin America, concentrating 80% of the $800 million invested in the region since the beginning of the decade. This capital injection has been essential for the advancement of technologies that optimize consumption and energy management, enabling integration with different renewable sources and increasing the predictability of electricity generation.
Additionally, the solar source has reached a historic milestone in Brazil, achieving 53 GW of operational installed capacity, according to the Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (ABSOLAR). This capacity results from the sum of self-generation through small and medium systems (35.5 GW) and large solar power plants (17.5 GW) spread across the country. The share of solar energy in Brazil’s electricity matrix already represents 21.6% of the national installed capacity, making it the second-largest generation source in the country.
Since 2012, the photovoltaic sector has attracted over R$ 241 billion in new investments, created 1.5 million green jobs, and contributed R$ 74.7 billion in tax revenues. Moreover, the expansion of solar energy has prevented the emission of approximately 64.2 million tons of CO₂, reinforcing its crucial role in reducing the carbon footprint and combating climate change.
Digitalization and Decentralization of the Electricity Sector
The advancement of digitalization has been a game changer in the expansion of solar energy. Today, management software allows consumers to optimize their consumption, make demand forecasts with greater accuracy, and efficiently integrate different energy sources. This digital intelligence facilitates the decentralization of energy generation, enabling models such as distributed generation and energy communities, where consumers can share electricity among themselves, reducing dependence on large distributors.
This new dynamic strengthens the concept of energy autonomy, where businesses and households cease to be mere passive consumers and become electricity producers. This makes the sector more democratic and sustainable, promoting greater consumer participation in the energy matrix.
A concrete example of how solar energy can drive urban sustainability is the Solário Carioca, an innovative project that transforms a decommissioned landfill in Rio de Janeiro into a solar power plant. The initiative, a result of a public-private partnership, aims to use the previously degraded area for the generation of clean and renewable electricity, delivering environmental and social benefits. With the capacity to power thousands of homes, the project demonstrates the potential of solar energy not only as a sustainable electricity source but also as a tool for urban space revitalization and energy inclusion.
However, challenges persist. According to ABSOLAR, the year 2024 was marked by difficulties for the sector, including distributor rejections for connecting new systems, citing power flow reversal in distributed generation. In centralized generation, cuts imposed by the National Electric System Operator (ONS) significantly impacted generator revenues, making it difficult to fulfill contracts and compromising investments in new solar ventures.
Read more about the Solário Carioca project
Cost Reduction and Easier Access
The cost of solar energy has significantly decreased in recent years, making it competitive not only for large companies but also for small businesses and residential consumers. This cost reduction is due to advancements such as the evolution of photovoltaic panels and improved efficiency of storage batteries.
Additionally, digital financing has been a key factor in the widespread adoption of solar energy. Online platforms allow consumers to purchase photovoltaic systems in a simplified manner and with more accessible conditions. This accelerates the adoption of renewable energy and contributes to the country’s large-scale energy transition.
Technological Innovations and Future Perspectives
The future of solar energy in Brazil is directly linked to innovation. Advances in energy storage, artificial intelligence for consumption forecasting, and new financing models will be decisive for the sector’s continued growth. Expanded storage capabilities will make solar energy even more reliable, ensuring supply even during periods without sunlight.
Artificial intelligence, in turn, will help predict consumption patterns with greater precision, optimizing the distribution of generated energy. Meanwhile, more flexible financial models will ensure that photovoltaic energy remains an accessible option for an even greater number of consumers.
More than just a clean alternative, solar energy is becoming one of the pillars of the future electricity matrix. The continuous evolution of technology and business models is revolutionizing the way energy is generated, distributed, and consumed in Brazil. The sun has always been present; now, it becomes the foundation of a more sustainable, efficient, and accessible energy model.
Comment