Falling prices, greater knowledge of the technology and the renewable energy option are driving the installation of solar energy systems in homes and companies in Brazil. Recent data from the National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) shows that there are more than nine thousand photovoltaic systems connected to the electricity distribution network. Forecasts are that there will be more than 1.2 million Brazilians producing their own energy by 2024.

The expansion in solar energy microgeneration in Brazil is in line with world tendencies and as in other countries, the massification of technology is going hand-in-hand with credit facilities for acquisition. These are precisely new models for the acquisition of photovoltaic systems which ENGIE – the largest electric energy generator in the private sector – is offering to the city of Campinas and region.

Now, private individuals and companies interested in purchasing a photovoltaic system can choose to make payment for the system in up to 72 installments. In practice, this means that the investment in the system can be offset by the saving in the electricity bill itself from power generated by the equipment over time.

“This is a similar logic to the question of renting or buying a property. Instead of paying rent, frequently it is more beneficial to finance the property and pay in installments. In the case of electric energy, on acquiring a photovoltaic system on an installment basis, the individual can use the savings that this system will generate in the electricity bill to pay for the equipment”, explains Rodolfo Sousa Pinto, CEO of ENGIE Solar, a subsidiary of ENGIE Brasil.

Using the example of a middle class residence, it is possible to install a photovoltaic system starting from R$ 17,000.00, generating a monthly saving in the energy bill of R$ 185. This amount can then be used for payment of a good part of the installment on the equipment purchase. It is worth pointing out that ENGIE’s systems carry a performance guarantee of 25 years with low maintenance costs.

Collective purchasing

Another model which ENGIE is introducing to the Campinas market is the idea of the collective purchase. With this model, various people and companies can unite and order jointly, in doing so, cheapening the cost of the photovoltaic systems.

Collective acquisitions are ideal for condominiums for example. Photovoltaic energy projects can be presented at a condominium meeting and approved by several residents at one time. It is also an excellent choice for corporate associations which can be arranged by its members as a means of saving expenses with the electricity bill.

“The value of the discounts varies from case to case but certainly the cost to a condominium which acquires ten solar systems will for sure be considerably less than if each resident acquired his own individually. We recently finalized a partnership with the State of Santa Catarina Supermarkets Association which has among its benefits precisely this discount for collective purchases”, says Sousa Pinto.

How the technology works

A photovoltaic solar energy system also known as a solar energy system or again, a photovoltaic system, generates electricity from solar radiation. Normally installed on rooftops, the technology is the most disseminated one on the planet for distributed microgeneration of clean and renewable energy.

Households and companies with these systems produce their own energy which they consume, any surplus being transferred to the electricity distribution network and transformed into credits with the Distributor. These credits have a five-year validity and are used when the unit is consuming more energy than is being generated, such as on rainy days or at night.

Saving and sustainability

“If you work it out on paper, investing in solar energy results in substantial savings. With this special offer of payments in 72 installments and the ability for joint purchases, the choice becomes even more attractive. Not to mention the satisfaction in helping the environment by consuming clean and renewable energy”, says Sousa Pinto.

From the environmental point of view, an average solar system for a company can eliminate emissions of more than 500 tons of CO2 over 25 years, equivalent to 1000 planted trees or 300,000 kilometers of travel in a popular make of car.