According to a survey by the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (ABSOLAR), Brazil has just surpassed the mark of 1 million consumer units with their own generation of energy from the solar source. The modality represents more than 8.6 gigawatts of operational installed power, equivalent to about two thirds (2/3) of the power of the Itaipu plant, being responsible for attracting more than R$ 44.0 billion in new investments to the country. , adding more than 260 thousand jobs accumulated since 2012, spread across the five national regions.

Although it has advanced in recent years, Brazil – holder of one of the best solar resources on the planet – remains behind in the use of its own generation of solar energy. Of the more than 89 million electricity consumers in the country, only 1.1% already use the sun to produce clean, renewable and competitive energy. According to an analysis by ABSOLAR, photovoltaic technology on roofs and small plots should gain important momentum in this and the coming years.

In terms of number of consumer units that use their own generation of solar energy, residential consumers are at the top of the list, representing 76.6% of the total. Then come consumers in the commerce and services sectors (13.4%), rural producers (7.6%), industries (2.1%), public authorities (0.3%) and other types, such as public services. (0.03%) and public lighting (0.01%).

Own generation of solar energy is already present in 5,446 municipalities and in all Brazilian states. Among the five leading municipalities are Cuiabá (MT), Brasília (DF), Uberlândia (MG), Teresina (PI) and Fortaleza (CE), respectively.

“In 2022, self-generation of solar energy will continue to advance exponentially, driven by rising electricity prices and the many benefits it brings to consumers. This includes cost reduction, combined with increased competitiveness and sustainability of small businesses and rural producers in Brazil. This year, the solar sector should bring more than BRL 50.8 billion in investments to the country, generating more than 357 thousand new jobs, spread across all regions of Brazil”, points out ABSOLAR CEO Rodrigo Sauaia.

“Although solar energy already serves 1 million consumers, something remarkable in itself, we still have 88 million more opportunities for electricity consuming units, a huge potential for the photovoltaic source to make Brazil a protagonist in the energy transition in the world in the coming years. years”, explains the president of the Board of Directors of the entity, Ronaldo Koloszuk.