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The expansion of solar energy Brazil is entering a new phase marked by overcoming technical challenges that, until a few years ago, limited it. advancement of photovoltaic projects.
With the rapid growth of installed capacity and increased competition for flat land, topography has taken on a central role in the planning of solar power plants.
Land with steep slopes, undulations, and irregularities, previously considered unviable from an economic standpoint, is now becoming part of the sector’s map of opportunities.
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This movement occurs at a time when the country is consolidating itself as one of the most dynamic markets in the world for photovoltaic generation.
As projects move away from major load centers and into new regions, technological solutions capable of reconciling energy performance, cost control, and reduced environmental impact are gaining prominence.
Historically, the sector of solar energy The company prioritized flat areas due to ease of construction and budget predictability. However, with the maturation of the Brazilian market and the relative scarcity of these areas, projects on more complex terrains began to be considered. The challenge has always been the additional costs associated with earthmoving, foundations, and soil handling.
Experts point out that, in large-scale photovoltaic projects, civil works can represent a significant portion of the total CAPEX. In irregular areas, the use of conventional trackers often requires extensive terrain cuts, embankments, and strict alignments, increasing deadlines, costs, and environmental risks.
In this scenario, topography has ceased to be merely a technical detail and has begun to directly influence the economic viability of projects. Thus, the choice of solar tracking system has become a strategic decision.
Solar tracking systems, known as trackers, follow the sun’s movement throughout the day, increasing the generation of solar energy In comparison to fixed structures, however, more than just productivity gains, this equipment has become crucial in adapting projects to the actual conditions of the terrain.
By allowing greater flexibility in installation, modern trackers reduce the need for major groundwork. This can significantly reduce earthmoving and foundation costs, while preserving or even improving indicators such as LCOE (Levelized Cost of Energy).
It is at this intersection of engineering, energy efficiency, and financial viability that specialized companies have been expanding their operations in Brazil, offering solutions designed for different geographical realities.
Brazil’s geographical diversity demands specific solutions for each type of terrain. With this in mind, Axial, the Brazilian arm of a globally recognized Spanish company in the development of solar trackers, has been investing in technologies adaptable to the most varied terrain conditions.
According to Ronald Carias Esteban, general manager of Axial in Brazil, the sector can no longer work with one-size-fits-all solutions. “With the diversity of topographies in the country, we can no longer have a single solution. Our models are designed to act as catalysts for projects, guaranteeing the best LCOE on land that would otherwise be discarded,” he explains.
This approach has allowed previously ignored areas to be considered economically viable for the implementation of power plants. solar energy, expanding the sector’s growth potential.
In flat or gently undulating regions, developers continue to focus on maximizing power generation. For this type of terrain, solutions like the Axial Tracker Twin stand out for their efficiency and ease of construction.
The double-row model utilizes homokinetic technology in its single-axis structure, ensuring greater precision in the movement of the photovoltaic modules throughout the day. Furthermore, the system simplifies assembly and reduces installation time.
According to Esteban, the energy gain is significant. “Designed to maximize performance, this model can result in up to a 30% increase in energy production compared to fixed structures,” he states.
This increase in generation is especially relevant in an increasingly competitive market, where projects compete for space in auctions, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and merchant models.
While efficiency is the priority in regular areas, the challenge in more complex terrains is structural. For this context, trackers capable of operating in adverse topographic conditions have been developed, without the need for major soil interventions.
One example is the SlopeSync system, designed to handle steep slopes and significant morphological variations. The technology’s main advantage lies in eliminating the requirement for perfect pillar alignment, one of the biggest obstacles in solar projects on sloping terrain.
The system supports deviations of up to 30° in the North-South direction and height variations of up to 15% or 400 millimeters, offering greater freedom in the design execution and reducing engineering constraints.
According to Esteban, this flexibility has a direct impact on the schedule and budget. “This adaptability considerably reduces the costs and execution time of the project, while minimizing environmental impact on the soil,” he notes.
Reducing earthmoving brings not only financial benefits. In projects of solar energyLess intervention in the soil helps to facilitate environmental licensing processes, which are becoming increasingly rigorous in the country.
Furthermore, the reduction in cuts and fills reduces risks associated with erosion, siltation, and surface water runoff, critical factors in regions with rugged terrain. In this way, the adapted trackers also align with environmental requirements and the ESG agenda of the electricity sector.
To keep pace with the maturity of the Brazilian market, continuous investment in Research & Development has become an essential part of the strategy for companies in the sector. In the case of Axial, innovation is seen as a pillar to support its growth. solar energy to long term.
“With a focus on innovation and investments in Research & Development, Axial positions itself as a strategic partner for the next phase of solar expansion in the country, making photovoltaic plants viable and highly efficient, regardless of the geographical challenge,” highlights Esteban.
This view reinforces the trend that applied engineering will be increasingly crucial for the competitiveness of projects.
He holds a degree in Advertising from UERN; a master’s degree in Social Communication from UFMG; and is pursuing a PhD in Language Studies at CEFET-MG. He has worked as a freelance writer since 2019, with texts published on websites such as Baixaki, MinhaSérie, and Letras.mus.br. Academically, his work has been published in books and presented at industry events. Among his research topics, he is particularly interested in the publishing market from a perspective that considers different social markers.
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