According to the Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (ABSOLAR), in February 2021, Brazil reached the milestone of 500,000 distributed solar photovoltaic generation (DG) consumer units, with the majority of installations (73.6%) located in residential properties. The association points out that, of the total consumers, small businesses represent 16.6%, followed by the rural sector and industry, at 7% and 2.4%, respectively. To supply these 500,000 units, 400,000 solar systems have been installed.
Photovoltaic systems work by capturing sunlight through panels, converting it into electricity, and sending it to the solar inverter, which converts alternating current into direct current to make it suitable for consumption. Unlike thermoelectric power plants, which burn fossil fuels, and hydroelectric plants, which depend on rainfall and river levels, solar energy is renewable and low-cost.
Among the advantages of solar energy is the reduction of electricity bills. Photovoltaic systems also have a long lifespan, require minimal maintenance, and promote sustainability, since they do not emit polluting gases. Although these systems have a high initial cost, solar energy financing options are available to make this technology more accessible.
Post-pandemic and the Green Economy
The concept of the green economy was developed in 2008 by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and encompasses a model focused on social well-being, the conservation of natural resources, and the reduction of environmental risks. The organization states that this model should seek not only to encourage job and income generation but also to stimulate the use of clean and renewable energy sources, expanding energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Solar photovoltaic energy emerges as a viable solution for practices adopted by the green economy because it is a clean and sustainable energy source that reduces both environmental impacts and consumer costs.
Given the impact of the pandemic, investing in the green economy could be crucial in the post-pandemic landscape, as market outlooks increasingly demand greater social responsibility. This makes it a strong alternative for aligning business operations with environmental best practices.
ABSOLAR calculations, based on official government data, show that for every R$ 1 invested in small and medium-sized solar photovoltaic systems used to power public buildings, businesses, rural properties, homes, and industries, the sector returns more than R$ 3 in economic, electrical, environmental, and social benefits to Brazilians.
“Solar energy will play an increasingly strategic role in achieving the country's economic development goals, especially now in helping the sustainable recovery of the economy, as it is the renewable source that generates the most jobs and income in the world,” says Rodolfo Meyer, CEO of Portal Solar.
Consumers Prefer Sustainable Companies
Environmental and social shifts are also resonating with consumers. According to a 2019 study by the US research agency Union+Webster, released by the Federation of Industries of the State of Paraná (Fiep), 87% of the Brazilian population prefers to buy services and products from sustainable companies, and 70% of respondents stated they do not mind paying higher prices for them.
Companies that demonstrate greater concern for the environment and adopt sustainable practices are also better regarded by suppliers and employees, who place an even higher value on the workplace and career opportunities within these businesses.
With companies showing growing interest in adopting sustainable practices, such as installing solar energy systems, financing options with special conditions have also emerged to make the technology more accessible. One example is Meu Financiamento Solar, a solution by Banco BV featuring an exclusive platform for the sector.
Via CicloVivo.
This article was written by CicloVivo. The translation is powered by AI.
