Solar is approved in Minha Casa, Minha Vida and surplus will be sold to distributors

O Senate approved, this Tuesday (13), the MP (Provisional Measure) that recreates and allows the use of solar energy systems in constructions financed by the SCHEDULE My home, my life, as a way to reduce the electricity bills of low-income residents and democratize access for more Brazilians to clean and renewable sources.

The approval occurred the day before the MP lost its validity, which would happen this Wednesday (14). O text goes to presidential sanction and, if unchanged, it will serve families with a monthly income of up to R$8 in urban areas and up to R$96 per year in rural areas.

According to Rodrigo Sauaia, CEO of ABSOLAR (Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association), one of the big news of the program is the definition that makes the surplus energy generated from the photovoltaic systems of these residents are purchased by distributors.

With this, the amount collected will automatically available to the program's own fund, intended for making improvements and promoting Minha Casa, Minha Vida. 

“Purchasing energy credit in a simpler and more objective way makes it easier for surplus electricity to not be wasted and, therefore, to be transformed into money to strengthen the program,” said Sauaia. 

End of Caixa exclusivity

The MP approved this Tuesday also removed the exclusivity of Caixa Econômica Federal as operator of the program.  

With the change, private banks, digital banks and credit unions will be able to operate Minha Casa, Minha Vida, as long as they provide information about the transfers to the Ministry of Cities with identification of the credit recipient. 

Minha Casa, Minha Vida was created in 2009 and lasted for 11 years, before being extinguished in 2020 by the government of Jair Bolsonaro and replaced by Casa Verde e Amarela.  

Solar sector articulation

The implementation of solar energy systems in Minha Casa, Minha Vida was only possible in the new MP because of the articulations of associations in the renewable energy sector, which – in addition to ABSOLAR – were also represented by entities such as INEL (National Institute of Clean Energy); MSL (Free Solar Movement) and Revolusolar.

On May 31st, the associations delivered to the rapporteur of the MP for the Minha Casa Minha Vida Program, federal deputy Fernando Marangoni (UNIÃO/SP), a letter to request the inclusion of mini and microgeneration in the program. The deputy accepted the suggestions.

In the letter, the associations explained that “solar energy is a renewable, clean and abundant option in our country, being one of the most promising sources for the production of electrical energy. Furthermore, its installation in the Minha Casa, Minha Vida Program projects would bring countless benefits to both residents and the environment,” highlighted the note.

The document also highlights that “by incorporating solar energy into housing projects, program beneficiaries would be provided with a sustainable energy alternative, reducing their electricity bills and contributing to a reduction in family expenses. Solar energy also promotes the energy independence of families, as they start to generate their own energy, making them less dependent on energy inflation.”