Solar panel farm in dry Brazilian landscape

A solar farm in the Brazilian sertão generates clean energy in one of the sunniest regions of the country.

About this subject

The Brazilian sertão, a semi-arid region with high solar incidence, has become a strategic hub for photovoltaic energy generation. Covering states such as Bahia, Pernambuco, and Piauí, the area receives an average of 2,800 hours of sunlight per year, surpassing countries like Germany, a global leader in solar energy. Large-scale solar farms, such as those in Juazeiro (BA) and Petrolina (PE), leverage this natural advantage to supply the National Interconnected System (SIN). These projects not only strengthen Brazil's electricity mix, already one of the world's most renewable, but also create jobs and economic development in historically drought-prone areas. Installing solar panels in the sertão also helps reduce water evaporation from reservoirs when combined with irrigation or desalination systems. Moreover, solar energy offers a sustainable alternative for remote communities previously reliant on diesel generators. With declining photovoltaic module costs and supportive policies, the sertão is emerging as a promising frontier for Brazil's energy transition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the Brazilian sertão ideal for solar farms?

The sertão receives high solar incidence year-round, averaging 2,800 hours of sunlight annually, with vast flat areas and low cloud cover.

What is the largest solar farm in the sertão?

The Juazeiro solar farm in Bahia is one of Brazil's largest, with an installed capacity of about 400 MW, enough to power hundreds of thousands of homes.

How does solar energy benefit rural communities in the sertão?

It replaces diesel generators, reducing costs and emissions, and provides electricity for water pumping and refrigeration, improving quality of life.