Brazilian ministry inaugurates 528-kWp pilot rooftop PV plant

The Brazilian Ministry of Defence (MD) on Tuesday officially opened a 528-kWp pilot solar array atop the roofs of its buildings as part of its energy efficiency programme.

Comprised of 1,600 solar panels, the photovoltaic (PV) plant has an average generation capacity of 72,000 kWh per month, or enough to meet the electrical demands of some 350 local homes. The MD invested BRL 2.4 million (USD 431,631/EUR 364,767) in the project.

According to the manager of the Department of Engineering and General Services (DESEG), Thiago D'Arolla Pedrosa Galvao, the PV installation will be capable of supplying more than 50% of the energy consumed by the Ministry, while offsetting around 69.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

Regarding savings, the solar system will allow the MD to reduce more than 40% of its monthly energy bill. When generation from the plant is excessive, the surplus will be made available to Brasilia Energy Company (CEB), which will further lower the electricity bill, the MD noted.

(BRL 1.0 = USD 0.180/EUR 0.152)

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