In the first five months of this year, photovoltaic projects, already operational, contributed more than R$2 billion in taxes to the public coffers, according to a survey carried out by ABSOLAR (Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association).
Furthermore, more than R$6 billion were invested in the Brazilian photovoltaic sector from January to May this year, and more than 1236 MW were added in installed capacity in Brazil, an increase of 27,3% compared to the same period in 2019.
The survey highlights the importance of the photovoltaic sector in the recovery of the Brazilian economy, even with the drop in economic activity across the country due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to the study, the photovoltaic market generated more than 37 thousand jobs in the period. In the month of May alone, 7,2 jobs were created, more than R$1 billion were invested in new investments and approximately R$424,5 million in taxes were collected.
For Ronaldo Koloszuk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of ABSOLAR, solar energy has been a powerful lever to revive the Brazilian economy in recent years.
“In Brazil, during the crisis of 2015 and 2016, the GDP (Gross Domestic Product) was negative 3,8% and 3,6%, respectively, a true economic catastrophe. Meanwhile, the solar photovoltaic sector was moving the country in another direction: it grew more than 100% per year and helped to restructure the Brazilian economy more quickly. Once the most acute phase of this pandemic has passed, the sector will once again boost Brazil’s recovery”, he comments.
Rodrigo Sauaia, CEO of ABSOLAR, highlights that the photovoltaic solar source is a strategic tool in favor of competitiveness and sustainable development.
“In addition to being clean, renewable and increasingly competitive, solar reduces consumer spending on electricity, protecting them from recurring increases in tariffs. This strengthens the country's economy and accelerates Brazilian productive sectors, from agribusiness to commerce, from services to industry. And it also helps to restore public coffers and meet the environmental goals assumed by Brazil internationally”, highlights Sauaia.
