O impacto de novas tecnologias e matérias-primas no desenvolvimento e difusão da energia solar no Brasil

Abstract

The Brazilian electrical matrix, composed mostly of hydroelectric plants, depends on a stable level of rainfall to maintain its reservoirs at satisfactory levels. However, Brazil has a great solar potential for electricity generation when compared, mainly, with countries that already have photovoltaic solar energy consistently inserted in their energy matrix, such as Germany. Since 2012, after ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency) Resolution No. 482, an individual can inject electricity into the Brazilian grid, if the energy is produced by renewable sources, which motivated the industry to develop technology in this area. However, installing a photovoltaic system is still expensive, and the efficiency of most commercial modules is only 18%. In general, these modules are made of mono- or polycrystalline silicon, called firstgeneration cells. There are also amorphous silicon cells, which have an efficiency of around 11%. These are thin-film cells, called second-generation cells. There are also third generation cells that are still in the research phase and are not found on the market, these are the organic cells, such as the perosvkita cell, which showed an efficiency of 28% in the laboratory. Existing incentive policies in Brazil still have to evolve in order to improve the viability of this form of energy generation. The high initial investment ends up inhibiting expansion, mainly in residential consumer units. The growth of this source of energy generation is also hampered due to tax and institutional obstacles. Despite this, in Brazil this system grows gradually, which provides an increase in demand and a reduction in acquisition and installation costs. Therefore, this work aims to supply part of the demand for information on the availability of solar energy in Brazil, government incentives, an overview of current legislation, as well as the impact of new technologies and raw materials on the development and diffusion of this energy source.