Solar energy is already a reality in São Paulo favelas

“Sustainability should be for everyone, and the democratization of the use of renewable energy is part of that.” This is the statement by environmental scientist Graziela Dantas Gonzaga, creator of the pilot project for the first installation of a photovoltaic system in the outskirts of São Paulo. The 8,91 kWp photovoltaic system is installed at the current headquarters of the Peace Institute, on the outskirts of the Jardim Nakamura neighborhood. In total, there are 22 405 W solar panels and an inverter.

In an interview with Canal Solar, Graziela said that the project was developed when she was still an intern at the company where she works today. According to her, every year the company promotes a challenge for its employees. And in 2019, the proposed theme was renewable energy and sustainability.

A resident of the East Zone of São Paulo, Graziela said that when she took the train to work, she noticed the difference between where she lived and the upscale areas, where there are more trees and better distribution of houses. “At the time, I thought that if we want to start with something that really has an impact, we need to start in the place where there are more people living. From that, I wanted to bring renewable energy to the peripheral regions,” she explained.

With this, Graziela conceived the project to install solar energy in peripheral communities in the capital of São Paulo. The first step, after developing the proposal, was to look for partners to develop the idea. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, all transactions had to be carried out online.

The intern's project gained the support of her co-workers, project engineer Denis Galindo, environmental engineer Thais Donato and later, biologist Natalia Couto. In addition to the voluntary collaboration of an entire support team.

After several attempts to contact various companies and entities, the scientist obtained the support of Sustainable Periphery, a project that has existed for over ten years in Brazil. “While the dream was mine alone, nothing came of the idea. When I met incredible people who decided to dream with me, everything took shape”, highlights the scientist.

“I got in touch with them and found out that they already had an educational project about solar energy, teaching children to replicate sustainability concepts. After approval of the project documentation, we started working together,” she reported.

“When Graziela invited me, I didn't think twice and agreed to participate. The project is fantastic and will have a huge impact on the community, bringing the idea that the Sun is for everyone”, says Fábio Miranda, coordinator of Periferia Sustentável, an initiative of the Instituto Favela da Paz.

According to Graziela and Miranda, the objective of the project was not limited to just installing a solar energy system, but also to carry out a training process. “The project wasn’t just about installing the signs. The idea was for all residents, voluntarily, to participate in the installation and be agents of this installation”, highlights Graziela.

To participate in the project, Miranda invited three people: Elias Fonseca Damasceno, civil engineering student; André Luís de Carvalho, who works at the NGO PAC (Projeto Amigo das Crianças), works in general maintenance and took the Be Sustainable 4.0 course; and electrician Eraldo Moura de Carvalho, who despite working in the area still had no experience with installing photovoltaic systems.

In addition to the Favela da Paz Institute, the project had a partnership with CL Solar, a company specializing in photovoltaic system installations. “Our company prepared the project and sent it to Enel for approval, a basic requirement for energy to be injected into the grid. We are responsible for the technical part, both for sizing and approval at the distributor”, explains Rodrigo Coto Poppi, technical manager at CL Solar.

“Our manager Carlos Eduardo Miranda Mano was responsible for coordinating the team made up 100% of community volunteers. He taught how the installation should be done and monitored whether the work was being done correctly”, adds Poppi.

To develop the system installation, volunteers took the NR 10 and NR35 courses, in addition to receiving all the PPE necessary to carry out the installation. “It was a really cool experience. We were monitored by electrical engineer Poppi from CL Solar. In addition to always counting on the support of Graziela, Denis and Thais. Everyone studied and got certified”, highlights Miranda.

Graziela highlights that this is a pilot project and that her expectation is to replicate the model applied in more communities, promoting job creation in the solar sector. “We thought about creating employability because the solar energy market has grown and there are still few professionals working in it. So, we think that training these people, making them participate in this installation is also a way of taking the project forward, not only the system, but also the concept, bringing employability and showing that it is possible to install solar energy in these locations”, he emphasizes.

For engineer Poppi, the most important thing about the project was the training of people and the savings that the photovoltaic system will bring to the institute, in addition to sustainability. “I see it positively because everyone thinks that solar energy is for rich people. By putting solar energy in a community, it starts to become viable and shows people that anyone can have solar energy, that the Sun is for everyone”, he comments.

Miranda also highlights the gains for the community. “It was a very fantastic experience. We not only benefit from the system, but we are also contributing to a healthier planet, because when you have access to renewable energy, you stop emitting CO₂, cutting down trees and using polluting materials such as coal for energy,” she says.

He also highlights that the solar source is democratic and accessible. “Many people think that solar energy is something that is from another world, that it doesn't belong to us or that it is an expensive technology. The truth is that it is possible. The Sun is for everyone and the idea is to bring this education, this vision that we have the possibility of generating energy through the Sun, using our resources and our network of people who believe in the possible”, concluded Miranda.