Investments in large-scale photovoltaic solar power plants in Brazil have already totaled more than R$ 87,7 billion since 2012, consolidating this energy source as one of the main areas of capital investment in the national electricity sector.
The data was released by ABSOLAR (Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association), which, while highlighting the robustness of the numbers, warns of the risks that generation cuts represent for the future of this market.
The volume of resources directed towards centralized solar energy projects has translated into significant economic impacts. Over the period analyzed, the sector was responsible for the creation of more than 601 accumulated green jobs and the generation of approximately R$ 29 billion in revenue for public coffers.
Capacity installed
As a result of this investment trajectory, Brazil has reached the milestone of more than 20 GW of installed operational capacity in large solar power plants. This progress places the country among the leading global markets for centralized generation, reflecting the combination of solar resource availability, project scale, and technological competitiveness.
Brazil surpasses 20 GW of operational capacity in large solar power plants.
The distribution of this capacity points to the Northeast leading the way, concentrating 52% of the installed capacity of large solar power plants, closely followed by the Southeast, with 46,8%. The other regions have a more modest share. The South accounts for 0,5%, the Central-West, including the Federal District, for 0,28%, and the North for 0,26% of the national total.
Alert
Despite the impressive numbers, the ABSOLAR The association believes the sector is at a turning point. It expresses concern about the application of generation cuts without financial compensation, a practice that has affected solar projects during periods of operational restrictions in the electrical system.
According to the organization, this scenario introduces legal and economic uncertainty, with the potential to hinder new investments precisely in a source that contributes to the diversification and decarbonization of the energy matrix.
The cuts are occurring in a context of accelerated growth in renewable energy supply, especially solar and wind, combined with limitations in transmission infrastructure.
For ABSOLARThe solution involves accelerating investments in transmission lines, as well as incorporating energy storage systems and other flexibility mechanisms capable of absorbing surplus production.
Strategic role
Even in the face of uncertainty, large solar power plants continue to play a significant role in meeting electricity demand, especially during periods of high temperatures, when consumption increases and hydroelectric reservoir levels tend to fall.
This energy source has contributed to reducing dependence on thermal power plants and to providing competitive energy to the system. Furthermore, the expansion of solar power generation is associated with meeting new structural demands of the economy, such as data centers, artificial intelligence, electric mobility, and green hydrogen.
For ABSOLAREnsuring adequate operating and expansion conditions for large solar power plants will be crucial for Brazil to transform the volume already invested into a solid foundation for the sustainable growth of the sector in the coming years.
all the content of Canal Solar is protected by copyright law, and partial or total reproduction of this site in any medium is expressly prohibited. If you are interested in collaborating or reusing part of our material, please contact us by email: redacao@canalsolar.com.br.
