The installation of photovoltaic systems in shopping centers has become an increasingly present reality in Brazil. In addition to providing clean and renewable energy, the technology has also been used by shopping centers that seek to reduce their operating costs.
Scheduled to open within a few weeks, the Palladium Shopping Center, in Umuarama (PR), for example, is one of the Brazilian developments that will have a 100% sustainable solar energy plant on its premises. On site, all electricity consumed by common areas will be supplied by a system with more than 3,2 modules.
According to Shopping, the technology will prevent the emission of around 1.270 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere per year, the equivalent of planting 7,8 trees. The designed system is also self-sustainable and guarantees enough energy to supply the entire enterprise.
In Porto Belo (SC), Porto Belo Outlet Premium, is another shopping mall that has adopted the use of solar energy to serve customers in its common area. In two years of use, the project has already generated over 1,6 MW/h and avoided the emission of 204 tons of CO₂ into the atmosphere. There, around 1,9 330W solar modules and nine inverters of 60 kW each operate.
In 2020, one of the investments that also adopted solar energy was Shopping da Cidade, in the city of Teresina (PI). The project was designed by the city hall and was implemented with the municipality's own resources. The return on investment is expected to occur within a period of up to two years.
In addition to shopping centers, other areas, such as hospitals and even his own Brazilian army, are also investing heavily in energy generation through solar sources. According to data from ABSOLAR (Brazilian Solar Energy Association), more than R$20 billion is expected to be invested in the sector in 2021.
