New Solar Farm Sets Regional Capacity Record

A new solar farm inaugurated in Northeastern Brazil set a new national record for installed capacity in a single photovoltaic complex. With 2.3 gigawatts of nominal power, the project surpasses the previous record by a margin of 400 megawatts and places Brazil among the ten countries with the largest solar complexes in simultaneous operation worldwide.

Project Numbers and Technology

The complex occupies an area of 5,200 hectares in the semi-arid region of Piauí and has approximately 4.8 million high-efficiency bifacial solar panels — which capture light from both the front face and the back, reflected by the region's bright soil. The average efficiency of the installed panels is 22.4%, above the current commercial standard, and the project uses single-axis solar trackers that follow the sun's movement throughout the day, increasing generation by up to 25% compared to fixed installations.

The energy generated is injected into the National Interconnected System via two high-voltage substations built specifically for the project. The installed capacity is theoretically sufficient to supply approximately 1.5 million average Brazilian homes during the peak generation period.

Economic and Environmental Impact

The total investment was R$8.2 billion, financed by a consortium of domestic and international infrastructure funds. Operating the complex generated 4,300 direct jobs during construction and maintains 380 permanent positions. The project also includes a territorial development program that benefits 12 municipalities in the surrounding area with sanitation infrastructure and connectivity financed by energy generation royalties. The inauguration is celebrated as a milestone for both the energy transition and regional development of the Northeast.