Tocantins has just registered more than 369 megawatts (MW) of installed power in its own solar energy generation. According to data from the Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (ABSOLAR), the state has more than 35 thousand operational solar energy connections on rooftops and small plots of land, spread across 140 cities, or 100% of the region’s municipalities.
Currently, there are more than 44 thousand electricity consumers who already have reduced electricity bills, greater autonomy and electrical reliability. Since 2012, the modality has enabled Tocantins to attract R$1.8 billion in investments, generate more than 11,000 jobs and raise R$500 million for public coffers.
To increase sustainability in the state, ABSOLAR recommends the creation and expansion of programs, policies and more local incentives for the advancement of solar energy, including, for example, the inclusion of photovoltaic technology in public buildings in general, in popular housing and in universal access to electricity programs.
For Ronaldo Koloszuk, president of the Board of Directors of ABSOLAR, the growth in installations of solar energy systems by Brazilian consumers is a reflection of the popularization of technology in the national territory. “Market analysts point out that, in 2023 alone, solar panels registered a drop of around 50% in the average final price, increasing their attractiveness and access by Brazilian consumers of different profiles”, he comments.
“Therefore, this is the best time to invest in solar systems in homes, businesses and rural properties. And there is still enormous potential for growth in the use of photovoltaic technology, as Brazil has around 92.4 million electricity consuming units in the captive market”, he adds.
Rodrigo Sauaia, CEO of ABSOLAR, highlights that the advancement of solar energy is fundamental for the social, economic and environmental development of Brazil and helps to diversify the country’s electricity supply, reducing pressure on water resources and the risk of occurrence of a red flag on the population’s electricity bill.
“The advancement of own solar energy generation strengthens sustainability, relieves family budgets and increases the competitiveness of Brazilian productive sectors. In addition to directly contributing to the generation of jobs and income, saving consumers’ pockets and reducing pollutant emissions, photovoltaic technology in its own generation reduces the use of transmission infrastructure, relieving pressure on its operation and reducing losses over long distances, which which contributes to reliability and safety at critical moments”, concludes Sauaia.
About ABSOLAR
Founded in 2013, the Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (ABSOLAR) is the entity in Brazil that brings together all links in the photovoltaic solar energy value chain and other clean technologies, including electrical energy storage and green hydrogen. With national and international members of all sizes, the entity is a source of information and coordination in favor of Brazil’s sustainable energy transition.
