EN 
PT_BR 
The start of works on the first photovoltaic source cooperative in a Brazilian favela. The 25 kWp plant will supply energy to the communities of Babilônia and Chapéu Mangueira, located in Rio de Janeiro (RJ).
According to the NGO Revolusolar, creator of the project, work to reinforce the Babilônia Residents Association building, which will receive the photovoltaic system, began this week.
“The building’s reinforcement is expected to be completed in four weeks. The plant will have 58 430 W solar panels, supplied by manufacturer LONGi, and a photovoltaic inverter supplied by GoodWe. The photovoltaic modules arrive at the end of November and installation will take place at the beginning of December, carried out in partnership with LocalPower. “The community is anxious,” commented Eduardo Avila, executive director of Revolusolar.
Preparations for installation
Aiming for the quality of the plant's installation, residents of the communities of Babilônia and Chapéu Mangueira carried out, this Friday (6), training on the installation and safety of photovoltaic systems.
The training, the result of a partnership between the NGO and Canal Solar, was taught by electrical engineer Mateus Vinturini and aimed to train and guide professionals who will install the first solar energy cooperative in a favela in Brazil.
Bruno Kikumoto, executive director of Canal Solar, highlighted that the ideal of the project attracted the company's attention and was the main reason for the partnership.
“When we got to know the project better, saw how robust it was and the benefits it will bring to the community, we didn’t hesitate in participating. Therefore, we spoke with the organization's staff and identified the need for training aimed at the project that will be carried out. With this, we had the opportunity to transmit knowledge and take advantage of our experience to the installers”, reported Kikumoto.
Electrician Adalberto Silva de Almeida, co-founder of Revolusolar and the first installer of photovoltaic solar energy in a favela in Brazil, participated in the course and highlighted the benefits to the entire NGO team.
“The course was very productive. Mateus answered all questions and answered all the students’ doubts. Furthermore, the students are very engaged and wrote down everything they found interesting”, reported Almeida.
“I’m happy to be able to help with knowledge and training. The reduction in energy bills is always significant, and, combined with the training of local installers, I believe that the NGO is doing a great job”, said Vinturini.
Reduction in energy bill
The implementation of the plant should have a positive impact on the two communities located in the capital of Rio, as the energy tariff in the state of Rio de Janeiro is one of the most expensive in the country.
According to Avila, the cost reduction of more than 80% of photovoltaic energy in the last decade and the sustainability of the solar source are the main factors that motivated the realization of this project.
“The idea that solar energy is for rich people is a myth. Photovoltaic energy is a much more important tool for the poorest strata. While the upper class spends around 3% to 4% of their income on energy, the low income class spends up to 30% to 40%. So, it is a very important tool for the economic issue to reduce energy expenses”, highlighted Avila.
In addition to Canal Solar, the project has support from ABSOLAR (Brazilian Solar Energy Association) and the companies LONGi and GoodWe, which will donate the equipment necessary to implement the plant in the community.
