The country forecasts to bring up to 7 GW of solar generation capacity online by 2024. Compared to the current solar power generation capacity, at just above 300 MW, the growth potential is enormous.
“We have strong ambition for Brazil’s solar market. We are seeking technology partners that will help us keep our global competitiveness as an integrated photovoltaic solar power developer, producer and operator,” said Marcelo Taulois, Brazil country manager, Scatec Solar.
The skid solution will feature GE’s 1,500-volt 1.1-MWac LV5 solar inverters, which require fewer cables, string boxes and associated infrastructure for the inverter stations’ installation. According to GE, the higher voltage inverter solution is more efficient compared to its 1,000-volt peers. It can reduce up to 3 percent of system costs and save up to 15 percent in inverter operating expenses, the company states.
GE’s 1,500-volt solar inverters are the first to have been accredited under Brazil’s Bank of Economic and Social Development ’s Finame program. The accreditation means the product is compliant with the government’s 60 percent local content requirement and will allow GE’s customers to get BNDES and Brazil’s Northeast Bank financing at more attractive interest rates.
The equipment built for Scatec Solar’s plants will be manufactured in GE’s factory in Brazil. The 162-MW solar project was awarded in the auction process held by Brazil’s National Electric Power Regulator, the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency, in 2015.
