Brazil has gained significant prominence on the global solar energy stage in recent years, thanks to its remarkable growth in this sector. This progress is attributed to the country’s favourable geography, which supports the implementation of solar technology, as well as societal adoption and government incentives. In 2023, Brazil marked a milestone in the expansion of photovoltaic energy, adding 3GW to its energy matrix. From January to August of the same year, the installed capacity of the electrical matrix reached 7GW, of which 6.2GW came from solar and wind sources.
As of 2024, the production of photovoltaic energy has already surpassed 38GW of installed capacity in the country, representing almost 17% of the national electrical matrix. According to data from the Absolar association, an additional 9.4GW will be integrated into the grid, resulting in a total of 45.5GW in operation by the end of the year. This progress highlights Brazil’s advancement towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy matrix, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading solar energy centres.
This advancement has been significantly supported by the government, which has played a crucial role in stimulating the expansion of solar energy in the country through favourable public policies and energy auctions. Additionally, the reduction in the price of photovoltaic equipment and the decrease in interest rates have created a conducive environment for the market. According to Absolar, the renewable solar energy source could generate over 300,000 new jobs in the country, and new investments in the sector could exceed 50 billion reais.
Currently, photovoltaic energy is utilised in various sectors across Brazil, including agriculture, commerce, industry, and the automotive and residential sectors. The applications of solar panels, which convert solar rays into energy, are diverse, ranging from traditional rooftop installations to plantations or lakes, known as floating plants.
New technologies, already available in European countries, are expected to arrive in Brazil soon, allowing for better utilisation of local geography and more flexible or dual applications. Vertical installation solar panels, for instance, are designed for farmland, serving as energy-generating fences, which will further enhance the use of rural spaces.
This progress has paved the way for a bright future in Brazil’s photovoltaic sector. By 2030, the country’s installed solar energy capacity is expected to increase to 28GW, representing about 11% of the national electrical matrix, according to the energy research company EPE. Brazil is one of the countries that has emerged as a global leader in adopting photovoltaic energy. With continued investments, favourable policies, and the emergence of advanced technologies for the sector, the future of solar energy in the country is undoubtedly very promising.