Solar energy helps the economy of small rural farmers

Solar energy is responsible for benefiting various activities, both in cities and in remote rural regions of the country. In addition to reducing costs in agricultural production and livestock farming, photovoltaic sources are a clean and sustainable way of generating energy without harming the environment.

These attributes motivate businesspeople, consumers and farmers to embrace solar energy. Amaray da Silva, resident of Lucas do Rio Verde (MT) and owner of Chácara Três Irmãs highlights that the savings obtained are the great attraction.

“Our electricity bill was very high, especially at times when we needed to irrigate the plantation. I heard about the advantages that my business could have, even though it was small, and I wanted to know more. I participated in a meeting in the city and on the same day I requested a proposal”, reported Silva.

The small farmer requested a quote from the company Vento Minuano Energias Renováveis, accredited to Renovigi in Mato Grosso and the project was financed through Pronaf (National Program for Strengthening Family Agriculture), from the Federal Government.

Since 2016, Chácara Três Irmãs has produced approximately 4 thousand kilos of food per month. Cultivation includes vegetables, lemon, passion fruit, sweet pepper, jiló and green pepper on the family's four hectares of land.

Distribution is in installments and includes street vendors, supermarkets, Cooperativa Cooperriso and schools registered in the National School Food Program (PNAE) that receive products from family farming.

Vagner Marcos Rhoden, owner of Vento Minuano, reported that 40 320 W Risen modules were installed, with fixing structures manufactured by the company itself, in addition to two 5 kW Renovigi inverters.

“The initial investment by the customer was R$60 and the monthly generation is 1.600 kWh, with savings of R$1,1. The value of the energy bill, which previously reached around R$1,3, decreased to the minimum rate of R$60”, explained Rhoden.

For Silva, the investment is good and viable. “In addition to saving on the electricity bill, I am able to pay the financing which also allows me a grace period of one year. I have been using the system for two years and I am very satisfied, I have already given a lot of advice to people”, concluded Silva.

Projects in Lucas do Rio Verde

The municipality located in the interior of Mato Grosso, with around 67.620 inhabitants, has 777 renewable energy projects, responsible for generating a total of 14.645,68 kW.