Copel Launches 6.7 MWp Solar Plant in Sarandi, Paraná, Offering Significant Savings for Commercial Customers

Copel initiated operations of a new 6.7 MWp solar photovoltaic plant in Sarandi, situated in the North Central region of Paraná. The plant, expected to generate 13.7 GWh annually, will serve 200 customers. The facility comprises 9,720 polycrystalline silicon photovoltaic panels, covering an area of 11 hectares—approximately the size of ten football fields. Additionally, the installation features 90 solar trackers.

This project is part of Copel’s new business unit, Copel Solar, which provides solar generation credits from the plant through a shared distributed generation model. The company promises up to 15% savings on energy bills compared to traditional distributors. Copel manages the implementation and operation of these generation units, allowing customers to sign contracts to utilize the credits, thereby reducing their energy costs.

Cassio Santana da Silva, Copel’s Business Development Director, highlighted the initiative’s impact: “The start of operation of the plant contributes to expanding our business and expanding our operations in the distributed generation of photovoltaic array market. For the consumer, the initiative represents an opportunity to consume clean energy and, at the same time, save money.”

Copel Solar offers a new savings option for Group B commercial customers—those connected to low voltage, which includes the majority of consumers. The service, launched in late 2023, allows commercial customers to simulate savings directly on the website and follow step-by-step instructions for 100% digital membership in the Copel project cooperative. This cooperative distributes the energy credits generated by the plants to members based on their participation.

Carlos Diego do Valle Pedroso, Copel’s Superintendent of Natural Gas, Biomass, Services, and Innovation Business, emphasized the product’s flexibility, noting that customers can withdraw from the project with a 90-day notice. “A 90-day notice is enough to withdraw from the project,” Pedroso explained.

Currently, Copel Solar is available to Group B commercial customers with a monthly bill exceeding R$400 who are not yet using the energy compensation system, such as those without photovoltaic modules on their roofs. Memberships are subject to service availability as the plants are still being implemented by Copel.

This new venture underscores Copel’s commitment to expanding its footprint in the renewable energy sector while providing cost-effective and sustainable energy solutions to its customers.