Solar Energy Potential in Brazil

Country or Region Overview

Country or Region: Brazil

Capital: Brasília

Total Population: Approximately 216 million (as of 2025)

Geographical Location: Brazil is the largest country in South America, bordered by Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. It has an extensive Atlantic Ocean coastline, making it a key player in the renewable energy sector in Latin America.

Solar resource map copyright at 2021 Solargis. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution license (CC BY-SA 4.0). This is a solar resource map from Solargis. For a higher resolution map, please visit and download.

Table of Contents

Solar Irradiation Data in Brazil

Brazil has excellent solar energy potential, with annual average solar irradiation levels ranging from 4.5 kWh/m²/day to 6.5 kWh/m²/day. The northeastern and central regions receive the highest levels of solar radiation, making them prime locations for large-scale solar power plants.

Key Solar Irradiation Data:

  • Northestwest: Bahia, Ceará, Pernambuco, Piauí, with levels reaching 5.5 to 6.5 kWh/m²/day
  • Southeast: São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeir, with levels reaching 4.5 to 5.5 kWh/m²/day
  • Central-West: Goiás, Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sularound, around 5.0 to 6.0 kWh/m²/day
  • South: Illinois, Ohio, Minnesota, Indiana, around 3.5 to 4.5 kWh/m²/day
  • Northeast: Paraná, Santa Catarina, Rio Grande do Sul, around 4.0 to 5.0 kWh/m²/day
  • Amazon Region: Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, around 3.5 to 4.5 kWh/m²/day

Brazil has one of the best solar energy potentials in the world, with many regions receiving year-round sunlight, making solar a reliable and cost-effective energy source.

If you need to learn more solar power potential in Brazil, please feel free to contact Solarvance for more details.

Temperature Factors in Brazil

  • Average Annual Temperature: Brazil’s tropical and subtropical climate means temperatures range from 25°C (77°F) to 35°C (95°F) in most regions, with some areas exceeding 40°C (104°F).
  • Impact on Solar Panels: High temperatures in the northeast and central regions may slightly reduce solar panel efficiency, but high irradiation levels compensate for this loss.

Recommendation: Solar panels with high heat tolerance, such as PERC, TOPCon, and bifacial panels, should be used in hotter regions for optimal performance.

Energy Demand and Grid Situation in Brazil

  • National Energy Demand: Brazil has a growing electricity demand, driven by industrialization and urbanization. The country relies heavily on hydropower, but droughts have led to power shortages, increasing the demand for solar as an alternative energy source.
  • Grid Infrastructure: Brazil has a well-developed grid in urban areas, but rural electrification remains a challenge, making off-grid solar solutions essential.
  • Opportunities from Global Events: Brazil is expanding its renewable energy investments as part of its climate commitments, with international investors supporting large-scale solar projects.

Preferred System Type in Brazil

  • Grid-Connected Systems: Ideal for urban and industrial areas, where businesses and homeowners can benefit from net metering programs.
  • Off-Grid Systems: Necessary for remote villages, farms, and the Amazon region, where grid access is limited.
  • Hybrid Systems: Used in areas with unreliable grid supply, combining solar panels, batteries, and backup generators.

Dust and Sand Factor in Brazil

  • Dust and Sandstorms: Some semi-arid regions in the northeast, such as Bahia and Ceará, experience seasonal dust buildup, which can impact solar panel efficiency.
  • Recommendation: Regular cleaning, tilted panel installations, and anti-dust coatings will help maintain performance.

Humidity and Rainfall (Humidity Factor) in Brazil

  • Humidity Levels: Brazil has high humidity levels, especially in coastal regions and the Amazon rainforest.
  • Impact on Solar Panels: Excess moisture can cause corrosion and reduce efficiency, particularly in Amazonian and coastal areas.
  • Recommendation: Use waterproof solar panels and corrosion-resistant materials to withstand high humidity environments.

Ocean (Salt Corrosion Factor) in Brazil

  • Saltwater Corrosion: Coastal areas, including Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Fortaleza, are exposed to salt spray from the Atlantic Ocean, which can corrode solar panels.
  • Recommendation: Use marine-grade materials and anti-corrosion coatings for installations near the coast.

Government Policies and Solar Incentives in Brazil

Brazil has strong government support for solar energy, offering various incentives to boost adoption:

  • PROGD (Distributed Generation Program): Allows small-scale solar producers to sell excess energy to the grid through net metering.
  • Solar Tax Incentives: Some states exempt solar equipment from import taxes and VAT, making installations more affordable.
  • National Energy Plan 2050: Aims to increase the share of renewables, with solar playing a key role in the energy transition.
  • Financing Programs: Banks and private institutions offer low-interest loans for solar installations, making it easier for businesses and homeowners to invest in solar energy.

ROI on Solar Systems in Brazil

  • ROI Period: Solar systems in Brazil typically offer an ROI of 4 to 7 years, depending on location and incentives.
  • Long-Term Savings: After the payback period, solar users can save up to 80% on electricity costs over a 25+ year system lifespan.

Conclusion on Solar Power in Brazil

Brazil is one of the world’s best markets for solar energy, thanks to high solar irradiation, government support, and a growing demand for clean energy. With rising electricity costs and a strong commitment to renewables, solar energy is an essential investment for businesses, homeowners, and rural communities.

For investors, businesses, and homeowners, now is the perfect time to adopt solar energy in Brazil. Solarvance is ready to provide customized solar power solutions tailored to Brazil’s diverse energy needs.

Choose Solarvance for Your Solar System

Contact us today to explore customized solar solutions for your needs, whether you’re interested in grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid solar systems. Our team at Solarvance is here to guide you through every step of the process, from system design to installation and maintenance.

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