The advantages of Brazilian solar energy

Solar energy has great potential in Brazil, with the country having one of the highest levels of insolation in the world at 4.25 to 6.5 sun hours/day. As of 2019, Brazil generated nearly 45% of its energy, or 83% of its electricity, from renewable sources. For example, 60% of Brazil's electricity generation came from renewable hydropower.

Solar energy also shows big promise. In 2019, about five terawatt-hours of power from the sun's rays were injected into the national energy grid. 2 Studies suggest that by developing just its sunniest regions, Brazil's output could hit 500 terawatt-hours a year, enough to meet 90 percent of its 2019 power demand.

During the era of isolated systems, some companies began to recognize Brazil's potential for photovoltaic generation. But it wasn't only the private sector that became interested in this source—the public sector also began seriously considering the possibility of expanding the electricity matrix with photovoltaic solar energy.

However, since 2013, solar energy installed capacity has grown 100 times and this year Brazil should join the club of the countries with more than 1 GW installed. “Brazil has finally woken up to the solar energy potential”, says Rodrigo Sauaia, president of ABSolar, Brazilian Association for Solar Energy.

If Brazil is a latecomer to wind energy, it is even more so to solar energy. Until 2012, solar energy was used to power only a few isolated private grids. However, since 2013, solar energy installed capacity has grown 100 times and this year Brazil should join the club of the countries with more than 1 GW installed.

Brazil has seen intensive construction of wind farms and installation of PV panels on thousands of homes, making it a country with more than 30 thousand solar energy facilities. This, coupled with its highest energy potential, makes Brazil a suitable country for solar energy.