Small businesses and rural producers will benefit from the partnership initiative to increase the use of solar energy

EDP, one of the largest electricity companies in Brazil, recently announced a partnership with Sebrae to expand solar energy in the state of Espírito Santo. The initiative is part of the Renewable energy of Sebrae, whose objective is to encourage the use of clean and renewable energy sources.

The announced solution consists of a business model that aims to facilitate access to solar energy for small businesses and rural producers. However, with the partnership, EDP and Sebrae will offer financing, training and technical support for the installation of photovoltaic systems in companies and rural properties.

Espírito Santo tends to use solar energy. Check out more in the video below.

Partnership is called Solar Potency and aims to take advantage of the large national installed capacity

Solar energy is still on the rise in Brazil, with an installed capacity of 26 GW in March 2023, according to data from the Ministry of Mines and Energy. Of this total, 18 GW come from distributed solar generation. Therefore, with a view to facilitating the access of small and medium-sized companies to this modality, EDP and Sebrae do Espírito Santo launched Potência Solar.

The program has several solutions in solar energy and sustainability process. This includes Solar Digital, created by EDP to offer differentiated conditions and simplified adhesion to Distributed Generation. However, to participate, it is necessary to have energy costs between R$ 1.000,00 and R$ 10.000. In addition, it is necessary to be in low voltage and in the same concession area as the plant that will generate the energy.

The launch of the program will take place between the 28th and 30th of March, in the cities of Vitória, Linhares and Cachoeiro de Itapemirim, respectively. However, the initiative aims to contribute to the expansion of solar energy in Espírito Santo. This happens by offering companies a sustainable and economical alternative to reduce their electricity costs.

Project aims to expand the local economy and democratize access to renewable energy sources

According to the director of EDP in Espírito Santo, Paulo Rizzo, the partnership with Sebrae is essential to expand access to solar energy in the state and help boost the local economy.

Solar energy is a clean and renewable source of energy that has been gaining more and more space in Brazil and in the world. In addition to being a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, solar energy can also bring savings on your electricity bill. Furthermore, it can be an option to generate income through the sale of surplus energy produced.

According to Brazilian Photovoltaic Solar Energy Association (Absolar), Brazil surpassed the mark of 7 gigawatts (GW) of installed capacity in August 2021. However, of this total, only 5,5% correspond to systems installed in small businesses and rural properties.

For Sebrae, the expansion of solar energy is an opportunity to boost the local economy and contribute to sustainability.

In addition to the environmental and economic benefits, solar energy can also bring competitive advantages to businesses that adopt it. Companies that use solar energy can stand out in the market for having a more sustainable posture and, often, attracting an audience that is more aware of the environment.

With the partnership between EDP and Sebrae, the expectation is that solar energy will become more accessible and popular in Espírito Santo, benefiting not only entrepreneurs, but also the general population. After all, everyone will have a cleaner and more sustainable source of energy.