High electricity bills will boost the solar energy market

With the decrease in the level of reservoirs and the announcement of the activation of thermoelectric plants in the midst of the biggest water crisis in the last 91 years, Brazilians' electricity bills became more expensive this month after the increase of more than 50% in the value of the red tariff flag 2.

For professionals in the solar energy sector, consumers' concern about the possibility of new tariff increases should generate an increase in the number of requests for the installation of photovoltaic systems in all regions of the country.

According to Fábio Delgado, commercial director of TechLux, the constant increases practiced by ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency), in recent months, will boost the sale of solar panels, especially for consumers who were unsure about making the investment.

According to him, currently, installing photovoltaic equipment is a great investment for small customers who think about short-term financial returns. “The solar source is one of the best resources that contribute to reducing the cost of the electricity bill”, he explains.

For the electrical engineer, Hugo Brito, the addition to the flag was the last straw for those who were undecided. “We noticed an increase in demand for the installation of photovoltaic systems, especially from those customers who had been quoting for some time and were waiting for a specific situation to close, either due to a drop in prices or an increase in both consumption and the value of the electricity bill. ”.

Eduardo Nicol, CEO of Renew Energia, also reports this movement. “I noticed an acceleration in proposal closures. We had many proposals open, where customers were on hold, but now we are feeling a greater interest in closing deals immediately. Furthermore, we felt an increase of around 40% in budget requests.”

And for those who have already installed a photovoltaic system months ago, the best cost-benefit, both in the short, medium and long term, is the predictability of expenses related to electricity. “Neither the family, the merchant nor the industry will be surprised by the increase in the electricity bill nor in the tariff flags because the photovoltaic solar system, well-sized, with quality products and serious and competent professionals, will meet their energy needs with a very low impact on the increase in the energy bill because the system will generate in kWh and consumption is measured on the monthly consumption (kWh/month)”, highlights Brito.

Fare increase

The value of the extra fee on Brazilians' electricity bills became more expensive, under red flag 2, starting in July. The value increased from R$6,143 to R$9,492 for every 100 kWh consumed, as reported by ANEEL, on Tuesday last week (29). Among the factors pointed out by the Agency to justify the increase are the increase in energy consumption at this time of year and the critical level at which the country's main reservoirs are found.

Until June 2021, the average volume of reservoirs in the Southeast/Central-West region, which is responsible for supplying around 70% of Brazil, was at 29,83 %, according to the National Electric System Operator (ONS). Due to the low water level, due to the dry climate, the activation of thermoelectric plants became the solution found by the Federal Government to reduce the population's consumption and avoid the risk of energy rationing, as occurred in 2001.