Installing a solar energy system in Brazil can be up to seven times cheaper than in the United States. This is the main conclusion of a study released this week by Solfácil, a platform specializing in financing photovoltaic projects.
The analysis considers data from Radar Solfácil, a quarterly study that tracks the evolution of solar energy prices in Brazil, as well as public information from SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association), the main association in the solar sector in the United States.
Currently, a residential system of approximately 7 kWp costs just over R$16 in Brazil. In the United States, the same project costs around US$23,5, equivalent to almost R$130. In practice, this means that the Brazilian consumer pays about 13% of the price charged in the American market.
This difference also holds true in larger systems. According to a survey by Solfácil, a 10 kWp residential project costs around R$ 25 in Brazil, while in the United States the price can reach R$ 150.
Why is solar energy cheaper in Brazil?
According to Solfácil's CEO, Fabio Carrara, the price disparity is not solely linked to the cost of equipment. In the United States, trade policies make it difficult to import Chinese solar panels – which account for about 90% of global production – putting pressure on prices in the local market.
However, Carrara points out that the main factor lies in the structure of the American market itself. "In the United States, company profits and the costs to acquire a client can be up to four times the value of an entire project in Brazil," he states.
In Brazil, the sector is more fragmented. There are over 30 integrators, many of them small regional businesses, operating with leaner structures. This model reduces operational costs and makes system installation more accessible to the end consumer.
Another relevant point is the price composition of the projects. Today, about 55% of the cost of a solar system in Brazil is associated with equipment. In the United States, this share is 35%, which indicates that the Brazilian market is more sensitive to international price variations and the global macroeconomic scenario.
Solfácil believes the sector is currently experiencing a "golden age." In 2022, solar module prices were more than double what they are today, driven by logistical bottlenecks and lower global supply.
Technological advancements and oversupply in recent years have contributed to falling prices. Looking ahead, the expectation is for a normalization of supply, which could put downward pressure on module prices, while new technologies continue to reduce production costs.
Impact on the adoption of solar energy
According to Solfácil, the price difference helps explain why Brazil and the United States are advancing at different rates in distributed generation (DG). In 2024, 65% of the installed solar capacity in Brazil came from this model, while in the United States the share was 20%.
In the American market, companies face tighter margins due to high customer acquisition costs, which reduces the incentive to expand distributed generation (DG) and limits the segment's growth. In Brazil, the scenario is more favorable: in addition to the lower cost of access to residential systems, climatic conditions also contribute.
"Higher solar radiation throughout the year improves system performance and shortens the return on investment period. This combination makes the country one of the most democratic and efficient markets in the world for photovoltaic energy," highlights the Solfácil study.
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.
