Brazil approves ‘historic’ net metering revision

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Revisions to Brazil's net metering policy could pave the for 4.5GW of small-scale PV. Image: Yingli Green.

Brazil’s energy regulator National Electric Energy Agency (ANEEL) has approved an “historic” revision of the country’s net metering scheme for small-scale renewable energy systems, making it amongst the most forward-thinking countries in this sector, according to Rodrigo Sauaia, the director of Brazil’s solar industry association, Absolar.

The revision, which has been scheduled since the net metering regulations were first implemented several years ago, came about after the realisation that the number of installed small-scale distributed generation energy systems is still relatively small compared to Brazil’s potential.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

There are currently 1,300 installed systems connected to the grid of which 96% is solar PV, said Sauaia.

Under the revision, Brazil now has ‘virtual net metering’, which means any company or consumer can install an energy system at different points of electricity use and still get credits, which can be used to abate consumption costs on another unit.

Sauaia said this was already in place, but the revision clears up areas of doubt as companies and subsidiary companies are now able to share their energy under net metering.

He added: “This scheme has been fundamental for the growth of PV in small-scale in several parts of the US and in other countries.”

Credits are now also valid for five years instead of three years.

Furthermore this “landmark” revision from ANEEL creates a new business opportunity; now any group of clients can invest together in a single PV system for example and receive a share of the electricity generated and reduce their consumption from the grid, at a level proportional to the financial resources each entity has invested in the system.

Sauaia said: “This is an important way to give scale and to multiply interests in distributed solar.”

Systems up to 5MW can now also participate in the net metering scheme, up from just 1MW previously.

Finally Sauaia said there have been beneficial structural changes in the distribution area. Now the 63 distribution companies in Brazil will have three different power classes with three different standardised forms that will be used throughout the whole country.

Sauaia added: “In this way Brazil is also cutting the red tape significantly by standardising procedures for connecting the systems and for making new requirements for connections into the grid.”

There is now also a provision that the subscription processes for net metering systems delivered by distribution companies must only be done online and digitally by 2017, which will increase speed and reduce costs for all parties involved.

ANEEL predicts around 1.2 million consumer units will be installed in Brazil by 2024, totaling 4.5GW of installed capacity.

Sauaia concluded: “This is a massive improvement to the net metering system, incorporating several of the international best practices and this puts Brazil really into the forefront of public regulations in support of the development of small-scale renewable energy connection to the grid.”

“It also shows that Brazil as a government is starting to put into action what it has been sharing as words in preparation to COP21. Therefore the country is not only committing to reducing its carbon footprint and emissions but it is also putting plans into action that will make this happen.”

Over the last six months Brazilian states have gradually started to introduce an ICMS tax exemption for net metering from distributed generation solar PV. Rio de Janeiro became the seventh state to do this earlier this month.

21 October 2025
New York, USA
Returning for its 12th edition, Solar and Storage Finance USA Summit remains the annual event where decision-makers at the forefront of solar and storage projects across the United States and capital converge. Featuring the most active solar and storage transactors, join us for a packed two-days of deal-making, learning and networking.

Read Next

September 10, 2025
Voltalia is seeking compensation for the ongoing curtailment of its Brazilian solar and wind fleet, which has exceeded expectations this year.
September 4, 2025
India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council, the joint forum of the Centre and States, has reduced the GST rate on renewable energy components from 12% to 5%. 
August 28, 2025
Latin America has the potential to unlock billions in clean energy investment if it aligns national policies with global sustainability goals and investor expectations.
August 22, 2025
AEMO has predicted the NEM will see a steady rise in renewable energy generation capacity, reaching 229TWh by 2035.
August 20, 2025
New South Wales, Australia's most coal-dependent state, will transition from 40% to 90% renewable energy by 2035, according to grid operator Transgrid's latest planning report.
August 14, 2025
OX2 has received government approval to build a 135MW solar-plus-storage site at a decommissioned coal mine site in NSW, Australia.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines