In recent weeks, information widely disseminated on social media – and also in some media outlets – has generated apprehension in the energy market: that the Federal Government has raised the import tax rate on solar panels from 25% to 35%.
Despite the widespread repercussions, the MDIC (Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services) clarified to... Canal Solar This week, it was revealed that the narrative does not correspond to reality and that the information is merely a rumor.
"The tariff for importing photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or panels has been 25% since November 2024; and there are no planned increases at the moment, nor any requests from the productive sector for such an increase," informed the MDIC (Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade).
But where did this misconception ultimately originate?
The misinterpretation may be associated with confusion between tax policies applied to different products, especially when comparing the photovoltaic sector and the electric vehicle sector, since many erroneous posts mix the two topics, as shown in the image below.
In the case of electric vehicles, the Federal Government has, in fact, established a Schedule for the gradual reinstatement of import tax on electric vehicles.The tax rates, which started at 10% in January 2024, are projected to increase progressively until reaching 35% in July 2026. For solar modules, however, the scenario is different.
In the photovoltaic segment, the import tax rate was set at 25% in November 2024 and remains at that level. To date, there has been no increase to 35%, nor any official announcement indicating that such an increase is under discussion.
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Social media posts mistakenly associate solar energy with the 35% tax.
The current tax scenario
Daniel Pansarella, Public Affairs & Business Developer Director LAC da Trina SolarHe explains that there are currently two distinct import rates for solar modules in Brazil. The first is the standard rate of 25%, generally applicable to solar power generation projects. The second is a reduced rate of 9,6%, available for projects that fall under a quota system defined by the federal government.
“This rate reduction is not automatic. It is the result of a mechanism carefully designed by SECEX (Secretariat of Foreign Trade) to balance two seemingly conflicting objectives: protecting the national solar panel industry and, at the same time, ensuring the economic viability of large solar energy generation projects that were already under development,” he emphasizes.
Quota system: a transitional solution
The quota mechanism was formalized in July 2025 through SECEX Ordinance No. 411, following negotiations between the private sector, the federal government, and representative entities, such as... ABSOLAR (Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association).
Pansarella explains that the system allows centralized generation (CG) projects with a power output greater than 5 MW to import solar modules at a reduced rate of 9,6%, provided that specific limits are respected.
The first quota, valid from July 15, 2025 to July 15, 2026, establishes a global limit of US$717,4 million (FOB), with a ceiling of US$8 million per project.
“The reason for this restriction on larger projects is strategic. The government sought to protect investments in large-scale power plants that were already in an advanced stage of development when the standard rate was raised to 25%. Smaller projects, especially those in distributed generation, remain subject to the 25% rate, which encourages domestic production of modules for these segments,” he said.
Pansarella points out, however, that the model is not permanent. A second quota period is scheduled to be in effect between July 15, 2026, and July 15, 2027, with values yet to be defined.
The structure reflects the government's intention to create a transition phase, allowing national industry to expand its production capacity while projects adjust to the new rules.
According to the consultancy CarpevieThe quota system was essential to prevent the financial collapse of projects contracted before the tax change, preserving the continuity of investments in large-scale solar power plants.
Why is misinformation a concern for the sector?
Pansarella warns that the circulation of inaccurate information about tax policy can have significant impacts. “Investors may make misguided decisions based on false data. Consumers may postpone investments in solar energy for fear of future costs that will not materialize. Developers may unnecessarily alter their strategic plans,” he stated.
According to him, the solar sector is one of the most promising in the Brazilian economy. "It represents opportunities for growth, job creation, and contributes to the country's energy transition. Decisions based on accurate information are essential for its sustainable development," he commented.
Market guidelines
For industry stakeholders, such as investors, developers, integrators, and consumers, Pansarella recommends paying close attention to information sources. “First, seek information from official sources, such as the DOU (Official Gazette of the Union), SECEX announcements, and the [unclear - possibly a reference to a specific agency or body]. ANEEL“Pansarella said.
“Second, consult industry experts before making important business decisions. Third, avoid sharing news without verifying its source and accuracy,” he said, reinforcing that misinformation is a growing challenge, but it can be combated with rigorous fact-checking and responsible communication.
“In the case of import tax on solar modules, the reality is clear: the standard rate is 25%, with the possibility of reduction to 9,6% through the quota system. There is no increase to 35%, and Minister Haddad's mention of that level referred only to the legal ceiling allowed by law,” he emphasized.
"May this information reach all those who have been affected by misinformation and contribute to more informed decisions in the Brazilian solar energy sector," Pansarella concluded.
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Answers of 4
Taxing solar modules to encourage domestic manufacturing ignores or completely bypasses the dynamics of this market. This will continue to stifle investment opportunities in the sector, leading to increased project costs and tariffs, and perpetuating the anachronistic policy of raising the price of imported components while assuming there will be a local substitute.
"... are projected to increase progressively until they reach 35% in July 2026..."
How can anyone deny that? Isn't that a raise? Then what is it?
This phrase in quotation marks refers to ELECTRIC CARS and not to solar panels.
The sentence you should have read carefully is this:
"The tariff for importing photovoltaic cells assembled into modules or panels has been 25% since November 2024; and there are no planned increases at the moment, nor any requests from the production sector for such an increase."
Now, why do these people who hate Brazil and hope everything goes wrong create negative news? Because consumers of misinformation are addicted to hate.
Does Brazil manufacture solar panels? Even at 25%, I think the II (index of origin) is too high.