Sao Paulo aims for 1GW of solar energy by 2020
August 22, 2013Sao Paulo sets the bar high for solar energy
Sao Paulo, Brazil, has set an ambitious new goal for itself concerning solar energy. The state is widely considered to be the economic and industrial hub of the country and has seen solar energy grow in popularity significantly over the past few years. Now, Sao Paulo is interested in reaching at least 1 gigawatt of solar energy capacity by 2020. While the goal is ambitious, Brazil is considered to be one of the most promising locations in the world when it comes to solar power.
Brazil boasts of massive solar potential
Sao Paulo alone boasts of twice the solar energy potential of Germany, which is considered to be the world leader in the solar field. The state is exposed to a massive amount of solar radiation annually, and Brazil as a whole boasts of the potential to generate some 12 terawatt-hours of electrical power by harnessing sunlight each year.
Capacity to be increased through variety of projects
The state of Sao Paulo is already well on its way to achieving its solar energy goals. Some 207 megawatts of solar capacity are already installed in the state. Approximately 592 megawatts of the state’s goal will come in the form of thermal solar energy. Another 50 megawatts will come from standard photovoltaic modules, with 50 megawatts also coming from concentrated solar energy systems. The remaining 100 megawatts will come from various experimental projects concerning solar power.
Solar energy could hold a great deal of economic promise
Brazil is in an ideal position to establish itself as the leading power in the solar field. The country has, thus far, opted to take a slow and steady approach to the matter of solar energy. Aggressive adoption of solar power could be a costly endeavor and Brazil is keen to mitigate the costs associated with this adoption as much as possible. Sao Paulo is eager to embrace solar energy, however, due to its environmental and economic prospects.