Subscription solar energy represents 67% of photovoltaic generation in Brazil, according to HCC Energia Solar
SANTA MARIA, Brazil : Brazil’s electricity bill is the second most expensive in the world. The account would be equivalent to 34.2% of the Brazilian’s monthly budget, in an amount of R$ 462.72 . Data are from the Association of Large Industrial Energy Consumers and Free Consumers (Abrace).
“Expenses with light make Brazilians even resort to illicit means, such as the infamous “cat” , explains Luiz Alberto Wagner , CEO of HCC Energia Solar. “Solar energy would be a help in this case” , he says.
When we talk about other countries, such as European ones, the model of “solar communities” was based on cooperatives or consortia of consumers, which together made possible the installation of small plants, sharing the energy produced, even if far from the place of consumption.
With the authorization of the federal government for the implantation of small plants , of up to 5 MW (megawatts), the so-called ” solar farms ” appeared . Similar to the same farm concept, the “harvest” of energy is made available to customers from the local distributor, and the quota is contracted for consumption in the form of a monthly subscription.
These solar farms are installed at points of high irradiation, with specific equipment for storing energy for later distribution. For the final consumer, it is as if they were renting a lot on this farm, to use in their home.
“In this modality, the owner of the consumer unit becomes an associate of a venture or solar farm, being able to receive credits for the generation of energy from sustainable sources” , says Luiz Alberto Wagner .
Since 2020, distributed generation has come to represent the largest share of photovoltaic solar generation in Brazil, representing 67% of Brazilian installed capacity in March 2022.
An advantage of the subscription is that the price does not follow the tariff increases and flags. The amount referring to the credits acquired is linked to the production of the solar farm, and not that of the hydroelectric plants. In this way, it is detached from eventual climatic events that affect the rainy seasons.
“Another point is that there is no obligation to adhere to the contracted plan. The subscription can be canceled, unlike the installation of the plates, which need to be purchased. If the customer changes address within the distributor’s coverage area, the subscription remains valid, without needing changes” , says the businessman.
