Solar energy will grow 40% in 2023

  Hydroelectric plants still hold the top spot, but solar energy generation is on par with wind energy, according to the National Electric Energy Agency. "Solar energy is already the present," says Rafael Castro, a solar energy specialist. The data supports this, as according to the National Electric Energy Agency, more than 70% of the energy expected to come online in the coming years will come from solar panels. In 2023 alone, the projection is a 40% increase in electricity consumption from the sun, which means 34 Gigawatts, surpassing twice the capacity of the second largest hydroelectric plant in the world, Itaipu Binacional. These figures show that, if projected until 2030, Brazil could become one of the first nations to have a 100% sustainable and clean energy matrix. Rafael Castro explains that this popularization is due to the savings in people's pockets. Solar energy provides a significant reduction, which can reach up to 90%. The return on investment can occur within three to four years, says Rafael Castro, a solar energy specialist. "Moreover, there is no breaking or construction because there is no work involved. For the process, an engineer goes to the site to check the best position for the solar panels, and then we install them in the area that gets the most sun, most often the roof is chosen. It is quick and easy to complete," he concludes.