Solar panel farm in dry Brazilian landscape

Solar farm in the Brazilian sertão transforms arid landscape into a renewable energy source.

About this subject

The Brazilian sertão, a semi-arid region covering much of the Northeast, is characterized by long droughts and xerophytic vegetation such as caatinga. In recent years, this landscape once associated with drought and poverty has become a hub for solar energy, thanks to high solar irradiation throughout the year. Large photovoltaic plants, like those installed in Juazeiro (BA) or São Gonçalo do Amarante (RN), harness solar radiation exceeding 2,000 kWh/m² annually, among the highest in the country.

Solar energy in Brazil has grown exponentially: according to ABSOLAR, installed capacity surpassed 30 GW in 2023, with about 8 GW from large centralized plants. The sertão offers flat, low-cost land and state tax incentives. The farm shown in the image, typical of the region, covers thousands of hectares with north-facing panels capturing morning sunlight. This generation is fed into the National Interconnected System (SIN), supplying distant urban centers.

The installation of these solar parks also impacts the local economy: it creates temporary construction jobs and permanent operation and maintenance positions. However, there are environmental challenges, such as removal of native vegetation and water consumption for panel cleaning. Studies by Embrapa show that agrivoltaic systems, combining solar energy with adapted crops like forage cactus, can mitigate these impacts. The image captures the contrast between modern technology and the traditional sertão landscape, a symbol of Brazil's energy transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the sertão ideal for solar energy?

The sertão has high annual solar irradiation above 2,000 kWh/m², flat land, low land costs, and state tax incentives.

What is the environmental impact of solar farms in the sertão?

Installation requires clearing caatinga vegetation and water for panel cleaning. Agrivoltaic systems can mitigate impacts by combining panels with crops.

How many solar farms are in Northeast Brazil?

In 2023, the region hosted most of the 8 GW centralized capacity, with plants in states like Bahia, Pernambuco, and Rio Grande do Norte.