In May 2024, the Chamber of Deputies approved a new bill that aims to develop a program for the installation of solar energy panels in the homes of low-income families who are registered with the Social Electricity Tariff (TSEE), currently used to grant discounts on energy bills. 

Suggested by deputy Domingos Neto (PSD-CE), the bill aims to offer credits that make it possible to install these renewable energy systems. The approved text is an expansion of the proposal by deputy Lafayette de Andrada (Republicans-MG) and Bill 624/23, which is part of PL 4449/23, initially created by deputy Pedro Uczai (PT-SC). With the merging of these texts into a single bill, it will be sent to the Senate for a vote, with the expectation of approval. 

According to Uczai, the intention is to target solar power plants at low-income populations, with the possibility of replacing the social tariff project in a few years. He said: "We are going to reduce the energy tariff for all consumers, eliminating the social tariff, and invest R$ 60 billion over the next 10 years, generating jobs in Brazil," Uczai told Agência Câmara. 

Solar energy kit for families could be the future 

During the interview, Domingos Neto stressed that the project will bring great benefits to the poor, allowing them to have access to solar panels, reducing energy costs and contributing to a more sustainable society. He said that "future Aneel adjustments will be lower, because the cost of the social tariff will be offset". 

The Basic Energy Income Program (Rebe) - as it will be called - seeks to gradually replace the subsidy currently granted on energy bills through the TSEE. Thus, low-income consumers with consumption of up to 220 kWh/month will continue to have lower tariffs, but without depending on the social tariff. 

Currently, the social tariff offers fixed discounts according to the consumption range, aimed at families registered in the Federal Government's Single Registry for Social Programs (CadÚnico) who have a monthly per capita family income of up to half a minimum wage. It also applies to families with members who receive the Continuous Cash Benefit (BPC) and those with a monthly income of up to three minimum wages who continuously use electrical appliances. 

In terms of implementation, the project foresees that the plants will be mostly installed in rural areas, and can be suspended over water reservoirs or on sites in the Minha Casa, Minha Vida program, serving residential groups. The energy generated could be converted into credits for families already entitled to the social tariff. 

Solar energy today 

Photovoltaic solar energy uses advanced technology to generate electricity, making it possible to save up to 95% on electricity bills, protecting users from energy inflation and instantly increasing the value of the property, while at the same time promoting sustainability. Because of these advantages, many Brazilians are adopting solar energy, which is becoming increasingly common on the roofs of homes and businesses. 

There are currently more than 39,000 approved solar energy installations in Brazil, dominating the distributed generation segment, where consumers produce clean energy at their own place of consumption. The number of installations has grown every year since distribution began in 2012. ANEEL (National Electric Energy Agency) is responsible for supervising and creating the rules for this type of self-generation from renewable sources. 

Home 

In the past, equipment and components were very expensive, limiting installation to the upper classes of the population. However, reality has changed! Thanks to the reduction in costs due to the scale of production, the average price of solar energy systems has fallen by around 75% in the last decade. 

It's worth noting that even those who installed systems when prices were higher have also benefited, despite the higher initial investment. Currently, the return on investment takes an average of 5 years. For example, a small solar system costs around 15,000 reais, while a medium-sized one is around 25,000 reais, considerably less than a popular car in Brazil. 

Although it may still seem expensive, depending on energy consumption, the system can pay for itself in just 5 years. What's more, after this period, depending on the region, it is possible to sell the surplus energy generated. So installing solar energy is undoubtedly a good investment. But what about a free solar energy kit? 

What will access to solar energy be like? 

Although the government is still studying the availability of solar panels to make energy accessible, experts believe that it is possible that the government will be able to distribute or help people obtain free solar energy in the future. Solar energy is becoming increasingly popular and is expected to overtake hydroelectric power. With the growth of solar energy, it is estimated that in 20 or 30 years it will be even more accessible than it is today. Therefore, the government could develop a model that facilitates the installation of equipment or provides collective panels. 

In addition, as technology advances and installation costs fall, it may be more viable for the government to invest in creating a free solar energy kit. However, this is not yet a reality. 

How will the Free Solar Energy Project work? 

Brazil currently has more than 39,000 approved solar energy installations, leading the way in the distributed generation sector, where consumers generate clean energy directly at their place of consumption. There are two models available for installing solar energy: integrated with the utility company or implemented individually, the latter being the option that allows free use. 

The off-grid system allows a property to use batteries to store surplus energy not consumed, guaranteeing the use of electricity even at night or on cloudy days. By opting for this alternative, the costs are restricted to the purchase of the equipment, since all the energy generated afterwards is stored without additional charges. Other occasional expenses, such as maintenance, are incurred on a one-off basis. Therefore, to take advantage of free solar energy today, it is still necessary to invest in an off-grid system, with batteries to store surplus production and use it without additional costs or fees. 

Get to know the solar energy project that will benefit low-income people!