Solar panel farm in dry Brazilian landscape

Solar farm in the Brazilian hinterland harnesses high irradiation to generate renewable energy in a semi-arid region.

About this subject

The Brazilian sertão, a semi-arid region covering much of the Northeast, has one of the highest solar irradiation potentials in the country, with annual averages above 5.5 kWh/m²/day. This characteristic has driven the installation of large-scale solar farms, such as the São Gonçalo Solar Complex in Piauí, which when completed will be one of the largest in Latin America, with a capacity of 1.5 GW. The choice of the sertão is not accidental: besides high solar incidence, there is availability of flat, low-cost land and proximity to transmission lines that carry energy to consumer centers in the Southeast. The energy generated in these farms is sold in auctions regulated by Aneel, contributing to Brazil's electricity matrix, which is already one of the cleanest in the world, with about 83% from renewable sources. The installation of photovoltaic panels in the sertão also generates local jobs during construction and operation, and can coexist with activities such as livestock farming in a system known as agrivoltaics. However, challenges include the need for energy storage for nighttime periods and integration with the grid, requiring investments in transmission infrastructure. Brazil currently has over 10 GW of installed solar capacity, half in distributed generation and half in large plants, and the sertão has been a protagonist in this expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the sertão ideal for solar farms?

The sertão has high solar irradiation, flat and low-cost land, and proximity to transmission lines that carry energy to the Southeast, making it a strategic region for large solar parks.

What is the installed solar capacity in Brazil?

Brazil has surpassed 10 GW of installed solar capacity, split between distributed generation (rooftops and small systems) and large centralized plants.

How does solar energy in the sertão impact the local economy?

The installation of solar farms generates jobs in construction and operation, and allows land use for livestock in agrivoltaic systems, diversifying landowners' income.