TITLE:
Potentiality of Solar Photovoltaic Energy in Paraiba, Brazil, and the Relation with Sustainable Development
AUTHORS:
João Ramos da Silva Júnior, Hermes Alves de Almeida
KEYWORDS:
Solar Irradiance, Renewable Energy, Alternative Source of Energy Solar
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Geoscience and Environment Protection,
Vol.11 No.5,
May
30,
2023
ABSTRACT: The use of non-renewable energy has been a major environmental concern
and, therefore, there is a need to look for other renewable energy sources,
especially photovoltaic’s. In view of this, an attempt was made to quantify the
potential of solar irradiance in the State of Paraiba, as an alternative source
for conversion and use in electrical energy, these determinations being the
main objectives. Global solar irradiance and solar photovoltaic data were
extracted from scientific publications and/or made available on the websites of
the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), the Ministry of Mines and Energy
and the National Electric Energy Agency, among others. For the case study,
semi-structured questionnaires were applied in different business
establishments in Campina Grande, with questions related to socioeconomic
aspects and photovoltaic technology. Data were analyzed using descriptive
statistics criteria and using an Excel spreadsheet. The main results indicated
that the Brazilian energy matrix is predominantly from renewable sources. The
Northeast is the second region with the highest production of photovoltaic
solar energy and the State of Paraiba occupies its fourth position in the
generation of this type of energy. The option of photovoltaic technology is a
promising alternative, especially for rural areas, where there is not always a conventional electricity grid. The high
availability of solar energy in northeastern Brazil, in almost all months of
the year, especially in the state of Paraiba, demonstrates the existence of a high potential to generate electricity
from photovoltaic systems. This technology contributes to local
sustainable development, as it is an activity that generates employment and
income, without degrading the environment.