Solar energy generation in Brazil recorded an impressive growth of 32% in August 2024 compared to the same period in 2023, according to data from the Brazilian Electricity Trading Chamber (Câmara de Comercialização de Energia Elétrica – CCEE). Solar energy production reached an average of 3,420 MW, a significant increase compared to the 2,578 MW average recorded in August of last year.
This growth reflects the continuous advancement in the installation of new solar plants across various regions of the country, driven by the increasing demand for clean and renewable energy. Solar power has consolidated itself as one of the most promising sources in Brazil due to favorable weather conditions and growing investment in the sector.
According to the Monthly Operation Program (PMO) report, solar energy made a significant contribution to the national energy matrix, helping diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Additionally, solar energy plays a crucial role in sustainability by helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the CCEE, the growth in solar generation is directly linked to the increase in installed capacity, which rose by 35% over the last 12 months. The largest solar plants installed recently are located in the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and Ceará, which together account for the majority of the installed solar generation capacity in the country.
The CCEE report also highlights that the solar energy sector continues to attract significant investments, with several companies announcing new solar plant projects throughout the national territory. Furthermore, Brazil has stood out as one of the leading countries in distributed generation, with over 1.7 million photovoltaic systems connected to the electricity grid to date.
In terms of distributed generation, photovoltaic solar energy has become the preferred source for Brazilian consumers, representing over 99% of micro and mini-generation installations in the country. This modality allows consumers to generate their own energy and even supply the surplus to the grid, generating credits that can be used to reduce their electricity bills.
In addition to the significant growth in generation, the competitive price of solar energy has also attracted more residential and commercial consumers. According to the PMO study, the cost of solar generation has fallen by approximately 20% over the past five years, making this energy source even more accessible.
Another point highlighted by the report is the contribution of solar energy to Brazil’s energy security. During dry months, when hydroelectric generation is impacted by a lack of rainfall, solar energy has proven to be a viable alternative to ensure energy supply in the country, especially in regions with high solar incidence.
With investments in expansion and growing awareness of the benefits of clean energy, the expectation is that solar generation will continue to grow in the coming years, solidifying Brazil as one of the leading solar energy markets in the world.
According to CCEE forecasts, installed solar generation capacity is expected to surpass 30 GW by 2030, representing a significant share of the national energy matrix. This growth will be driven by both centralized generation projects and investments in distributed generation.
In conclusion, the 32% increase in solar energy generation in August 2024 reinforces the importance of this energy source for Brazil. With the continued expansion of solar plants and falling generation costs, solar energy is consolidating as a sustainable and efficient solution to meet the country’s growing energy demand while contributing to environmental preservation and carbon emission reduction.
