Barbara Rubim

ABSOLAR(Brazilian Association of Photovoltaic Solar Energy), Brazil has just surpassed the historic mark of 12 GW of operational power from photovoltaic solar sources, in large-scale plants and in small and medium-sized systems installed on roofs, facades and land. According to the entity, the solar source has already brought more than R$60,6 billion in new investments to the country, R$15,7 billion in revenue to the public coffers and generated more than 360 thousand jobs accumulated since 2012. With this, it also avoided the emission of 13,6 million tons of CO2 in the generation of electricity. The news can serve as encouragement to Brazilians given the current energy scenario. The low level of hydroelectric reservoirs has resurrected the feared “ghost” of the blackout in Brazil, precisely because of the risk of electricity rationing that is looming. It has also brought new increases in Brazilians’ electricity bills, with the so-called “flag of water scarcity” , a result of the intense use of fossil thermoelectric plants, which are more expensive and polluting, and the import of electrical energy from neighboring countries. The situation directly affects family budgets and the competitiveness of productive sectors. Faced with this challenge, economists and government agencies had to increase inflation projections for 2021. Monitoring by the ONS (National System Operator) in the 161 water reservoirs in the national territory revealed a reduction in the rainfall rate in all Brazilian regions, without exception: it is the worst moment in the last 91 years, when the historical series began. Thus, the water crisis is no longer a localized problem: it has become a national and chronic concern. Faced with this worrying scenario, the light at the end of the tunnel comes from above: solar energy is a strategic part of the solution in the short, medium and long term. The diversification of the matrix, with greater inclusion of clean and renewable sources, strengthens the electrical supply and brings more security and competitiveness to the regional and national economy, using the cheapest sources in the country. Large solar plants generate electricity at prices up to ten times smaller than emergency fossil thermoelectric plants or electricity imported from neighboring countries currently, two of the main reasons for the increase in tariffs on consumers. , rural properties and public buildings, there are also benefits in reducing costs in the electrical sector, which helps to reduce the electricity bill of all Brazilians. In addition to preserving water from hydroelectric plants, the generation of solar energy itself contributes to the reduction of expenses that increase the electricity bill of all Brazilians, reducing costs with generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure. With it, electricity is generated at or close to the place of consumption, reducing electrical losses. This further reduces the use of fossil fuel power plants, which are largely responsible for the red flags and water scarcity alerts that increase electricity bills, and for the emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases in the electricity sector. Thanks to the versatility and speed of solar technology, just one day of installation is enough to transform a home or business into a small power plant generating clean, renewable, and affordable electricity. Therefore, the advancement of solar energy in the country, through large power plants and self-generation in homes, small businesses, rural properties, and public buildings, is fundamental for the social, economic, and environmental development of Brazil. It helps diversify the country's electricity supply, reducing pressure on water resources and the risk of rationing, as well as decreasing the occurrence of tariff flags on the population's electricity bill and protecting the population and productive sectors against electricity tariff increases. *Camila Nascimento is the coordinator ofABSOLAR in the State of Rio de Janeiro and director of Win Renewable Energies

Barbara Rubim

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