A photovoltaic project is the first step towards transforming solar energy into real savings on your electricity bill.
It involves technical analyses, electrical calculations, financial feasibility studies and compliance with concessionaire and company standards. ANEELThis step ensures that the solar plant operates safely, efficiently, and durably.
Without a well-structured project, the system may cost more than expected, present electrical risks, have its approval denied by the distributor, or even compromise the useful life of the equipment.
Therefore, the project should not be seen as bureaucracy, but as the technical and strategic foundation that transforms the idea of adopting solar energy into a solid, safe, and sustainable investment.
What is a photovoltaic project?
A photovoltaic project is the technical and strategic plan that defines how a solar energy generation system will be installed and operated.
It is not limited to a simple plan drawing: it involves electrical and civil calculations, structural analysis, financial feasibility study and compliance with the standards of the energy concessionaire and the ANEEL.
In practice, the project ensures that each photovoltaic module, inverter, cable and protection is correctly specified and positioned, in addition to defining the terrain plan and adequate drainage.
In addition, it covers electrical safety issues such as grounding, surge protection devices and proper sectioning.
What are the components of a photovoltaic system?
The main components of a photovoltaic system are the photovoltaic modules, the solar inverter, the mounting structure, the monitoring system, the junction box (string box), cables and the bidirectional meter (supplied by the concessionaire).
Some designs may rely on a battery to store energy for later use, especially useful in off-grid systems or for backup during power outages.
How to plan a photovoltaic project step by step
Planning a solar system follows structured steps that help reduce risks and increase investment efficiency.
Each phase (from initial analysis to ongoing monitoring) has its own technical and financial importance. Skipping steps or performing calculations in a generic way can compromise the system's entire performance throughout its lifespan, which can exceed 25 years.
Below, see the essential steps of a well-executed photovoltaic project:
Analysis of consumption and feasibility
The first step is an energy assessment. The designer evaluates historical electricity bills, identifies consumption patterns throughout the year, and considers factors such as seasonality and future demand growth (e.g., new machinery in an industry or the purchase of appliances in a home).
In addition to consumption, the viability of the location is analyzed: availability of area on the roof or ground, orientation and inclination of surfaces, incidence of shadows and solar radiation in the region.
In some cases, additional financial studies are also carried out to calculate payback, internal rate of return (IRR) and impact on the energy bill.
This step is essential to check whether the investment is really worth it and which configuration will be most suitable.
System sizing
Based on consumption and feasibility data, the electrical dimensioning of the system is defined.
This includes the number of modules required, the total power to be installed, the selection of inverters, the fixing structure, cabling, protections and even the choice of the bidirectional meter.
The objective is to balance generation and demand, without oversizing (which unnecessarily increases the price) or undersizing (which reduces the financial return).
At this stage, the efficiency of the equipment, losses due to heating and shading, as well as the expected performance over the years, are also assessed.
Accurate sizing ensures greater generation predictability, facilitates approval and avoids rework.
Technical project and registration
At this stage, official technical documents are prepared, such as single-line diagrams, descriptive reports, floor plans with module positioning and performance calculations.
These documents are sent to the utility company for review and approval. This process is mandatory in Brazil for the system to be connected to the grid and inject excess energy, generating credits on the bill.
In addition to the regulatory part, the technical project is the “recipe” for the installation: it guides the team in the field, standardizes safety procedures and ensures compliance with ABNT and ANEEL.
Installation and final testing
After project approval, the physical installation of the system begins. Specialized teams attach the modules to the structures, connect the inverters, organize the cables, and install the protective devices.
Once assembly is complete, continuity, insulation resistance, polarity, IV curve of the modules and visual inspections of the fastening are carried out.
These tests ensure that the system is operating as designed and in safe conditions.
Only after testing and inspection by the concessionaire is the system released to enter commercial operation.
Continuous monitoring and maintenance
The final phase ensures performance over the years. Photovoltaic systems require remote monitoring to track energy generation in real time, identify faults, and compare performance with design.
In addition to monitoring, periodic preventive maintenance is recommended, such as cleaning the modules, thermographic inspections to identify hot spots, retightening connections, and checking electrical protections.
This routine ensures greater efficiency, increases the useful life of equipment and avoids generation losses that could compromise the return on investment.
Can photovoltaic systems be installed anywhere?
No. Solar systems are generally installed on rooftops or ground, and in some cases, on water surfaces.
In both cases, it is essential to check the resistance of the roof structure or the characteristics of the soil, especially in rural terrain, to ensure the stability of the installation.
To maximize the efficiency of the solar generator, installations located in the southern hemisphere, the modules must be oriented to the geographic north and positioned in a location free from shading throughout the day.
Is it worth investing in a photovoltaic project?
Yes, investing in a photovoltaic project is what makes the entire solar energy operation viable, safe and profitable.
The project is the stage that connects the expectation of savings with the technical reality of the system, ensuring that the promised results are achieved.
From an economic point of view, a well-designed photovoltaic system offers an average payback of between 3 and 7 years, depending on the region, consumption profile and energy tariffs.
The useful life of the equipment exceeds 25 years, which means more than two decades of generation after the return on the initial investment.
From a technical standpoint, the design avoids critical errors. An undersized inverter, poorly specified cables, or a lack of electrical protection studies can compromise the entire plant.
The project ensures compliance with ABNT standards and requirements of ANEEL, reducing the risk of dismissals or denial of approval.
Furthermore, there is the strategic factor: companies that invest in well-structured projects can demonstrate sustainability, regulatory compliance, and cost predictability, attributes increasingly valued by customers, investors, and ESG certification bodies.
How much does a photovoltaic project cost?
The cost of a photovoltaic system includes expenses with the purchase of equipment and labor for the design and installation of the project.
The calculation, however, will depend on issues such as monthly consumption, system size, quality of products and installation services, property size and connection model.
Although costs can vary considerably, the Strategic Study of Distributed Generation in the Photovoltaic Market – 2nd Half of 2023, by the consulting firm Greener, provides an approximate order of magnitude. Average prices for January 2024:
- 4 kWp Residential System – R$ 12.680,00*
- 50 kWp Commercial System – R$ 122.500,00*
- 1 MWp Industrial System – R$ 2.700.000,00*
*Prices include installation service.
Who can sign up for a solar energy project?
Only electrical engineers or industrial technicians can sign a photovoltaic solar energy project, according to CREA/CONFEA (Federal Council of Engineering and Agronomy).
Recently, the technical category migrated to a new class entity, the recently created CFT (Federal Council of Industrial Technicians).
According to articles 1, 3 and 5 of CFT resolution no. 74, industrial technicians can design, execute and inspect any photovoltaic systems with up to 800 kVA of power.
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Conclusion
The photovoltaic project is the heart of any solar generation system. It ensures that the installation is safe, efficient, and compliant with technical and regulatory standards.
Without this planning, the risk of failure and losses increases significantly.
At the same time, a well-designed project represents peace of mind for the consumer and greater profitability for the investor.
This is what turns solar energy into a long-term asset, with real savings on your electricity bill and a solid financial return.
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An answer
I have 17 solar panels on the roof of my house, my bill before installing them was around R$1200,00, this month without using air conditioning the bill was R$200,00 and during the summer it is around R$300,00, however I thought I would have credit to transfer even though I know they charge fees for external lighting, etc., do you consider this value normal?