INNOVATIVE BUSINESS MODEL

The Solar Pilar Project is an initiative from Light, one of the largest energy companies in Brazil, and the Brazil Energy Programme (BEP) of the British government, in addition to a consortium between UK and international organizations that won an international competition held by BEP.

QUALITY ENERGY AT LOW COST

The Project's objective is to provide clean energy technologies and to test a new business model in low-income communities, as part of Brazil's effort to transition to a cleaner and more inclusive economy.

CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY

Solar Pilar tests innovative technologies that help low-income families reduce their energy bills. The project is implemented in a neighborhood with the same name - Pilar - within the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area.

PILOT PROJECT

WITH A SPECIAL FOCUS ON WOMEN AND GROUPS IN A SITUATION OF VULNERABILITY

INCLUSIVE BUSINESS MODEL WITH LATEST GENERATION EQUIPMENT

In Pilar, 30 houses receive a “kit” including photovoltaic panels, a battery to store electricity, a smart meter and a device to monitor electricity consumption.

The Light´s Frei Caneca substation receive 300 photovoltaic panels that, by distributed generation, will serve another group of 60 residences in Pilar.

A total of 240 families will participate in a long-term experiment in an "open-air laboratory" format with state-of-the-art equipment, testing an inclusive business model.

The project will last for two years and includes broad community engagement, with a special focus on women and vulnerable groups.

PILOTO

SOLAR PANELS, BATTERIES, AND SMART SYSTEMS

30 homes receive rooftop solar PV panels, a hybrid inverter, a battery, a smart controller and a smart meter.

THIS ALLOWS::

- Generation and storage of electricity

- Ability to send surplus solar electricity to the grid, accumulating energy credits for later use.

60 homes receive remote generation of solar PVs and smart meters to balance remote generation with local electricity consumption.

150 homes receive smart meters, allowing them to accurately monitor how and when they use energy. This allows the testing of cheaper tariffs in certain times within the day.

1. Lives in Pilar.

2. Be with energy consumption within the profile approved.

3. Has the energy bills dully paid.