Brazil Crosses 1 GW Solar Milestone

Brazil has also become the second Latin American country to cross the 1 GW mark of installed PV capacity after Chile.

Brazil's solar power generation has reached the mark of one gigawatt, marking it among the 30 countries in the world which can generate over one gigawatt from solar sources, reports said.

Brazil has also become the second Latin American country to cross the 1 GW mark of installed PV capacity after Chile.

The solar power that Brazil generates can feed the consumption of two million Brazilians, according to the Brazilian Association of Solar Power (Absolar).

"Brazil is more than 15 years late in the use of photovoltaic solar energy. We can stay among the main countries of the world in this market, as we are in hydroelectric power, biomass and wind power," Absolar President Rodrigo Sauaia said.

Brazil's solar power generation is still below its potential, said Sauaia, adding Brazil needs a nationwide program to accelerate the development of solar power in the country.

Brazil traditionally relies on hydroelectric power plants and bio-energy. It also has significant potential in developing wind and solar power.

The Brazilian government had selected around 574 MW (AC) of PV projects in its most recent auction, which was held in December of last year. These must be connected to the grid by the end of 2020.