A recent study commissioned by Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (Absolar) and conducted by consultancy Volt Robotics reveals that self-generation of solar energy in Brazil is providing impressive net savings of more than R$ 84.9 billion by 2031 for Brazilian electricity consumers. This milestone highlights the substantial benefits of so-called distributed generation (DG), which involves the production of solar energy on roofs, facades and small plots of land.
According to the study, the net benefits of distributed generation are equivalent to an average value of R$ 403.9 per megawatt-hour (MWh) in the structure of the electrical system. This contrasts with the average residential tariff of R$ 729 per MWh in Brazil. The calculation covers the official growth projection of distributed generation until 2031, as established in the Ten-Year Energy Expansion Plan 2031 (PDE 2031) of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and the Energy Research Company (EPE).
Recent legislation, Law No. 14,300/2022, established the legal framework for distributed generation, determining that all benefits be identified and incorporated into the sector. The National Electric Energy Agency (Aneel) is responsible for calculating and auditing these benefits, based on the guidelines of the National Energy Policy Council (CNPE).
When presenting the results to Aneel, Absolar and Volt Robotics emphasized the importance of transparent and fair calculations to guarantee the adequate development of the sector. Rodrigo Sauaia, executive president of Absolar, stated that the benefits of solar distributed generation are crucial for Brazilian society, bringing significant socioeconomic and environmental gains.
The study also highlights the attractiveness of investments, job creation, increased income and purchasing power of the population, in addition to the reduction of polluting gas emissions. Guilherme Susteras, advisor and coordinator of Absolar's distributed generation working group, emphasized the delivery of valuable contributions to Aneel to help define the tariff methodology to be applied to self-generating consumers from 2029 onwards.
These results reinforce not only the direct savings for consumers, but also the strategic role of solar energy in Brazil's sustainable energy transition, promoting energy autonomy and independence. The country positions itself as a protagonist in the global geopolitics of the 21st century, driven by advances in clean energy and sustainability.
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