The photovoltaic solar source has just become the second largest in the Brazilian electrical matrix, with 23.9 gigawatts (GW) of operational installed power. With that, it surpassed the wind source, with 23.8 GW, second only to the water source, which today has 109.7 GW, according to a survey by the Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy (ABSOLAR).

According to the entity's mapping, the 23.9 gigawatts (GW) include the sum of large power plants and small and medium-sized own generation systems in homes, businesses, industries, rural properties and public buildings. According to the association, since 2012, the solar source has already brought to Brazil more than R$ 120.8 billion in new investments, generated more than 705,000 jobs and provided R$ 38 billion in revenue for the public coffers. With this, it also avoided the emission of 33.3 million tons of CO2 in the generation of electricity.
 
For the CEO of ABSOLAR, Rodrigo Sauaia, the advancement of solar sources in the country is fundamental for the social, economic and environmental development of Brazil. “The 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”, he comments.
 
“The growth of solar sources also strengthens sustainability, the energy transition and the competitiveness of the productive sectors”, adds Sauaia.
 
Large solar power plants generate electricity at prices up to ten times lower than fossil thermoelectric plants or electricity imported from neighboring countries. Thanks to its versatility and agility, a large photovoltaic plant is operational in less than 18 months. As for a roof or a small piece of land, just 24 hours are enough to make them a source of electricity generation from the Sun.

“By the end of 2023, the solar sector will reach 1 million accumulated jobs in the country since 2012, but it could be much more, according to our projections. Brazil has one of the best solar resources on the planet, however there is still a lack of good public policies so that we can aim for solar leadership worldwide”, concludes Ronaldo Koloszuk, president of the Board of Directors of ABSOLAR.