Alessandra Neris
Brazil’s largest microgrid goes online
Brazil’s largest microgrid has gone online at the State University of Campinas (Unicamp). The CampusGrid project combines a 565 kW solar system with a 1 MW high-capacity battery energy storage system (BESS).
Brazilian islands to have 85% solar and battery storage by 2027
Replacing diesel, the Noronha Verde project will be carried out by Neoenergia with an investment of BRL 300 million ($52.1 million).
Apartment battery systems attractive after São Paulo storm blackout
Solar-plus-storage systems are attracting homes and businesses to guarantee energy supply and avoid losses in emergencies. Brazilian solar trade body Absolar estimates battery prices have fallen around 90% over 15 years.
Brazil to require solar inverters with arc fault circuit interrupters from December
Brazil’s National Institute of Metrology, Quality and Technology (Inmetro) says it has introduced a requirement for inverters to have arc fault circuit interrupters, effective December 2024, to prevent fires and enhance PV system safety.
Brazilian manufacturer unveils 1 kg BIPV module
Eternit S.A., a Brazilian construction materials supplier, says it has developed a 50 W panel for building-integrated PV (BIPV) applications. The 1 kg module features monocrystalline passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) tech.
Solar module prices rising in Brazil
Despite global overcapacity, several factors may contribute to a slight increase in solar panel prices in Brazil, with shipping costs and quotas for fiscal exemptions on imported PV modules playing a key role.
267 MW PV plant inaugurated in Brazil
The BRL 950 million ($175 million) São João do Paracatu solar park in Minas Gerais employs 500,000 solar modules distributed over an area of 509 hectares and counts clients in the areas of mining, magnesium industrialization and plastic production and recycling.
Livoltek set to commission Brazilian inverter factory
Livoltek says it has invested $13.2 million in a new inverter factory in Brazil. The facility will also produce soon lithium-ion batteries and electric-vehicle rechargers.
Photovoltaics for center-pivot irrigation
Developer Loop Energia has built a 1.2 MW offgrid solar plant that now serves a center-pivot irrigation system in the Brazilian state of Bahia. The project reportedly enables local farmers to double soybean harvesting by achieving considerable savings through significantly lower diesel consumption.
Climate disaster hits solar in southern Brazil
Heavy rains recently triggered floods in Brazil’s Rio Grande do Sul state when Lake Guaíba and the Taquari River and Uruguay River overflowed, reaching more than 5.30 meters and affecting more than 1.95 million people. The death toll stands at 143, with 125 still missing. The authorities still have yet to assess the losses from submerged or affected PV plants.
