The total available solar energy resources (120.000 TW) are more than sufficient to supply our need for energy
General aspects of energy consumption and solar power applications
Solar energy applications are mostly expressed in the way of producing electricity: either through Photo Voltaic cells or by Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) facilities. Another potential use of solar power, although yet in its early stages, consist in the split of the water molecule in order to obtain hydrogen fuel. Other significant applications of solar energy include heating solutions for home and industrial purposes.
We will focus on the production of electricity from our solar source, since it represents one of the most promising ways of producing energy coming from renewable sources. In fact, the demand of energy coming from solar sources has increased at the rate of 30% per year and. At the same time, we see the related cost and prices coming down and also the technology efficiency (of solar cells) increasing.
If we add up the absolute need to increase energy production coming from renewable sources, against the use of fossil based fuels, we see a window of opportunity for solar energy applications. Some projections estimate that we might run out of oil in 2045 and coal in 2159, but the main problem consist of the damage that this evolution will bring to earth’s natural environment. We might be driven to conclude that, before we run out of fossil fuels, we might be running out of earth.
The total available solar energy resources (120.000 TW) are more than sufficient to supply our need for energy. Fossil fuels and nuclear energy could be replaced with less than 0,02% of available solar resources. In the economic aspect, the cost of fossil fuels keeps rising, while solar energy applications become more economically viable.
We have several facts that show an unquestionable tendency towards the need to increase energy production coming from renewable sources and solar stands out. And the market shows it: solar cell production increased by 50% in 2007, to 3,800 megawatts, and has been doubling every two years.
“In 2009, the photovoltaic solar industry generated $38.5 billion in revenues globally, which includes the sale of solar modules and associated equipment, and the installation of solar systems.
Solarbuzz produces various forecast scenarios which, depending on the factors, see growth in the world PV market from $46.3 billion to $96.8 billion in 2014.
PV installations grew to 7.3 GW in 2009, up 20% from the prior year.
Expected to reach 8.4‑13.1 GW in 2010, the various forecast scenarios predict demand rising to 15.4‑37 GW in 2014, more than five times the size of the 2009 market.
The worldwide on-grid segment grew by 20% in 2009, and the off-grid market grew 23% in 2009, faster than on-grid for the first time in 15 years but on a much smaller base.” Source: Sollarbuzz, Solar Market Research and Analysis.
Brazil offers several attractive aspects regarding solar based energy applications and with domestic growth at high rates Ceara, in Northeast Brazil, has about 2.800 hours of solar irradiation per year, representing an average intensity of 5,4kWh/sq.mt/day.
Total solar radiation, in an yearly basis, falls within 1.500 and 2.300 kW/sq.mt.
Theoretically we have a potential of 2,25 MWH per hectare, in Ceará.
In addition, we find a unique business environment expressed via the new, government infrastructure investments.
Standing out the free trade zone (over 4.000 ha) in operation at the Port of Pecem, Ceara.
Invest in Photo Voltaic markets: Solar Panels Factory and Solar parks
Projects can be co-developed with Brazilian developers and can encompass supply of PV products for the domestic market and for exportation. There is also the possibility do develop Solar Power Energy Producings units as soon as the regulamentary mark is delivered by public authorities, as the market is waiting for it.
Typically projects can be financed by BNDES the Brazilian development bank, providing debt financing at a level of 70%. Production from a 50,000 ha project is 100,000 tonnes of pellets per annum. Based upon such a project with an investment of R$50 (BRL) million, the estimated IRR is above 35%.
The PV Products Factory must be located at sites chosen to optimize logistics, near railways, with connections to ports and where employment is needed the most. Suggestion points out to Ceara free trade zone, near Porto do Pecém port.
Possible agreements and partners
There are two major players that can jointventure with solar power investors:
a) project developers, that can get the project complete and ready to be implemented (usually, ready to go to auction and get the Power Purchase Agreement); b) producers of PV panels and related components, already with worldwide factory/manufacture experience and know-how.