Is Brazil a good place to invest in solar energy?

Brazil is one of the world’s fastest growing energy markets since the market’s liberalisation in 1998, and offers great potential for solar PV developments, given the role that renewable energy can play in the energy mix.

Which solar systems are used in Brazil?

Trackers dominate Brazil’s utility-scale solar sector, with 94.85% of installations opting for this technology. In contrast, fixed structures are used in only 4.32% of projects, and East-West configurations make up a minor 0.83%.

Does Brazil have a 'distributed' solar system?

Allied to this, in 2012 the country gave its authorisation for “distributed” generation – the production of energy on a smaller scale, close to the point of consumption. This format now accounts for almost 70% of solar energy in Brazil, and is the main driver of solar’s growth in the country.

Is solar a viable source of electricity in Brazil?

Solar is now Brazil’s second-largest source of electricity. Experts say its growth must also reach and respect communities cut off from the grid Student Brenda Rodrigues da Silva works on the installation of solar panels at Fábrica Social, a professional training centre in Brasília, Brazil.

Are solar power plants a problem in north-eastern Brazil?

Many communities in north-eastern Brazil live close to solar power plants but lack connections to the grid, meaning they cannot access the electricity generated by such facilities (Image: Alan Santos, Palácio do Planalto, CC BY)

Why are solar panels exempt from import taxes in Brazil?

In recent years, solar panels have been exempted from import taxes in Brazil – a subsidy that was revoked this year, as a 10.8% tax was introduced. The exemption had helped to make solar equipment cheaper to source from China than domestically, and contributed to Brazil emerging as the second-largest importer of Chinese solar panels.