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From 2024, Brazil will begin taxing solar panels, a controversial measure that aims to balance competitiveness between national and international manufacturers of photovoltaic modules.
With the government's recent decision to tax solar panels from 2024, Brazil enters a new chapter in its journey towards sustainable development and the promotion of greater solar energy. This movement, marked by the imposition of a 10,8% import tax on imported photovoltaic modules and wind turbines, aims to level the playing field for national manufacturers, who have faced significant challenges due to unfair competition from imported products, mainly from China, according to G1.
The impact of taxing solar panels
The measure, which revokes the import tax exemption established in 2020, aims to stimulate the national production of photovoltaic modules. However, it raises important questions about the potential effects on Brazil's solar energy sector, especially considering that the majority of photovoltaic modules used in the country are imported. In 2022, for example, 99% of modules were brought in from abroad, with an overwhelming margin coming from China. This scenario did not see much change in 2023, where 99,8% of photovoltaic modules continued to be imported.
Despite the apparent contradiction in the government's actions, especially in light of the recent “sun tax” that generated widespread debate in 2023, the intention to strengthen the national industry cannot be ignored. Brazil is at an inflection point, where the The cost of domestic solar panels can be significantly higher than imported ones. This new policy of taxing solar panels could theoretically help reduce this disparity, although at the risk of increasing the overall cost of installing photovoltaic systems for consumers.
Solar energy in Brazil
The sustainability of the photovoltaic sector in Brazil is, without a doubt, at a critical moment. The decision to tax solar panels could have far-reaching implications, affecting not only national and international manufacturers, but also the growth of solar energy as a whole in the country. The challenge will be to find a balance between protecting local industry and keeping solar energy affordable and attractive to Brazilian consumers.
The strategy of taxing solar panels, although controversial, reflects an attempt to navigate the turbulent waters of the global economy and environmental sustainability. As Brazil moves toward becoming a leader in greater solar energy, carefully considered policies and regulations will be crucial to ensuring the country achieves its sustainability goals without sacrificing growth and innovation in the photovoltaic sector.
Different solar panels on the national and international market
With the recent news of taxing solar panels in Brazil, it is crucial to understand the options available in the solar energy market, both nationally and internationally. The diversity of photovoltaic technologies offers different paths for the adoption of solar energy, each with its specific characteristics, efficiencies and costs.
Organic Photovoltaic Cells (OPV)
These cells, characterized by their flexibility and transparency, represent an emerging technology with efficiency of up to 11%. Their relatively low cost, due to the availability of inputs, makes them an attractive option for specific applications.
Monocrystalline Silicon Photovoltaic
Market leaders in efficiency, these panels can achieve up to 21% energy efficiency. They are known for their high quality and longevity, making them a popular choice for long-term projects.
Thin film
Thin film panels have an efficiency between 7% and 13%, being produced from a variety of materials, such as CIS/CIGS, amorphous silicon (a-Si), and cadmium telluride (CdTe). Its main advantage is application flexibility, including non-planar surfaces.
Polycrystalline Silicon Photovoltaic
With maximum efficiency of around 18%, polycrystalline silicon panels offer a balance between cost and efficiency. They are easily recognizable by their bluish appearance and grainy texture.
Copper, Indium and Gallium Selenide (CIS/CIGS)
These panels have an efficiency of 9% to 12% and are considered more environmentally friendly due to their lower cadmium content. They are a viable option for those looking for a sustainable solution.
Cadmium Telluride (CdTe)
Despite its efficiency, the use of cadmium in CdTe solar panels raises environmental concerns due to the toxicity of this material.
Solar Tracking Solar Panels
These systems allow panels to follow the movement of the sun, maximizing sunlight capture. There are unidirectional and bidirectional versions, which can significantly increase the efficiency of solar power generation.
