English 
Spanish 
3 min read
34 comments
When talking about solar energy in Brazil, it is inevitable to think about the overwhelming dominance of a specific group. But who could have imagined that this hegemony would be almost exclusively China's?
The solar energy market in Brazil is currently dominated by Chinese companies, which control an impressive 90% of solar panel sales in the country – the data disclosed exclusively reflects the Solfácil base, as they were collected from financing requests made on the platform during the second quarter of the year.
This information contrasts sharply with the situation in WEG, one of the largest Brazilian manufacturers, which holds just a 1% share in this fast-growing market.
According to published data, Chinese company Deye leads with 22% of sales volume, followed by Goodwe, which has 18% of the market and specializes in large projects.
- Mercosur-EU agreement promises to transform global trade, but faces controversies over environmental impact and economic competition!”
- Brazil takes the lead: Government invests R$5 billion in the electronics sector and consolidates the country as a global reference
- Chilean multinational invests R$730 million in new sector and transforms Goiás into the largest manufacturer in the country!
- Lack of labor is plaguing Portugal, which is begging for immigrants to fill the 80 vacancies in the construction sector
See more
These companies have benefited from the increase in demand for sustainable energy in Brazil, leveraged by continued tax incentives and falling production costs.
Brazil is seen as one of the main world powers in implementing solar energy projects, highlights Fabio Carrara, CEO and founder of Solfácil, in an interview with Folha de S.Paulo newspaper. He points out that “with the continued reduction in costs, more people should invest in this sustainable source of energy”.
In fact, the price of a watt-peak (Wp) fell 9% in the first half of 2024, reaching an average of R$2,66. This decrease is strongly linked to the cheaper price of polysilicon, a fundamental material in the manufacture of solar panels.
The aforementioned research also reveals regional variations in prices, with Rondônia and Roraima presenting the lowest values, R$2,30 and R$2,34 per Wp, respectively. The case of Roraima is particularly notable, as it recorded a 15% drop in prices between the first and second semesters. In contrast, Minas Gerais was the only state to register a 2% increase in the price of Wp, closing the semester with values above R$3,00.
How to compete with China
This data raises an intriguing question: How can a Brazilian company compete in a market so dominated by foreigners? WEG, with just a 1% share, faces significant challenges in expanding its presence.
Competition is fierce, and Chinese companies are establishing an advantage that is difficult to overcome due to their ability to offer more competitive prices and advanced technologies.
However, there is a way to WEG and other Brazilian companies. Investing in technological innovation, expanding partnerships and seeking market niches that are still little explored are strategies that can help reverse this scenario of foreign dependence.
Furthermore, growing awareness about the importance of sustainability can serve as a driver for the adoption of renewable energy by Brazilian consumers and companies.
The question that remains is: Will Brazil be able to reverse this trend of foreign dominance and assert itself as a leader in solar energy production? The answer depends on a number of factors, including government policies, technological advances and changes in consumer behavior.
What do you think about this Chinese “invasion” in Brazil? Good or bad for our country? Leave your comment!
It's terrible, Brazil must once and for all take a direction, it must prioritize labor, create companies and improve the standard of living of the BRAZILIAN worker. Brazil must manufacture its own consumer goods, we have all the raw materials!!!!
That's easy, the government just needs to charge fewer taxes so that the web and many other good industries in Brazil will grow and so will Brazilians.
WEG has a lot of incentive, Brazil should tax Chinese companies.
This reversal is difficult, if it depends on the government it will implode, as it becomes the majority shareholder of companies with its exorbitant tax burden. The consumer's only option is to look for the cheapest option.
And good increases competitiveness
Obviously it's bad, but with this Government, probably only fake incentives unfortunately!!
Unfortunately, the government does not help local companies by reducing taxes, which ends up making the domestic product more expensive. On the other hand, we need technology, and the cheapest product there is no way to compete with the world power that is China. Thanks to them, we were able to implement more affordable photovoltaic systems, but like in Brazil, everything is taxed. So we will no longer be able to do anything, not buy here at a very high price, and not import due to abusive taxes. This is our Brazil, unfortunately.
Brazil should tax Chinese companies. Yes, WEG has good incentives, but the Chinese are subsidized by the Chinese State! Brazil should heavily tax Chinese companies. We have technology and can offer these boards at reasonable prices, generating jobs and income!!