Brillacom Light DeFi close to making its debut in Brazil’s solar market

Uruguay’s Brillacom Light DeFi has signed a service order with Solatio to build, in Brazil, its first solar plant. 

The schedule calls for up to six months to bring the first module of the photovoltaic plant on line in the municipality of Itajubá, Minas Gerais state, with an investment of 1mn reais (US$200,000). 

BNamericas spoke about the project with Brillacom's CEO, Germano Sales.

BNamericas: Why did Brillacom Light DeFi turn to Solatio to make the project viable?

Sales: Initially, we had the idea of building a 5MWp plant, but according to the regulations, this would take a long time, about a year to get an access opinion from Cemig [the power distributor in Minas Gerais]. 

So Solatio came in to develop the energy part and speed up the project, with all its expertise. 

We've already closed the land issue, and we'll be starting the first module later this year.

BNamericas: When do you expect to start operating?

Sales: In January. There will be 100kWp modules, totaling 15,000kW per month of generation capacity. 

We've divided them into modules to speed up the work. The access opinion, with the land part cleared, is due in 90 days for each module.

BNamericas: Is the energy already contracted?

Sales: We have a first client, PS Soluções, which plans to develop energy traceability solutions. 

We have a big problem in Brazil, due to the characteristics of the interconnected system. You don't know if the energy you're using is hydroelectric, thermoelectric or wind. You don't know the path it has taken.

BNamericas: And this is important for companies that want to certify their use of renewable energy. 

Sales: Yes, for those aiming for energy efficiency gains and with an eye on carbon credits.

BNamericas: Will PS Soluções absorb all the energy from the plant in Itajubá?

Sales: They should absorb 30% of a module's production. We already have a team looking for other clients with consumption of more than 2,000kW/month.

BNamericas: What investments does Brillacom plan to make in Brazil?

Sales: Our development plans include two plants in Itajubá and, later, a plant in Ceará. As of the second half of 2024, access should be granted there, in the municipality of São Gonçalo do Amarante. 

By December we’ll be investing 1mn reais in the first module in Minas Gerais, for which we should be closing equipment contracts next week. 

Next year's capex is still being projected.