A recent study by Solfácil reveals a striking cost difference between residential solar energy systems in Brazil and the United States. According to the analysis, a typical 7 kWp rooftop solar system in Brazil costs just over R$16, while the same system can cost nearly R$130 in the United States, meaning Brazilian consumers pay roughly 13% of U.S. prices. This makes residential solar installation in Brazil up to seven times cheaper than in the American market.
The study identifies several factors driving this gap. In the United States, trade restrictions on Chinese solar panels, combined with higher customer acquisition costs and profit margins, significantly increase system prices. By contrast, Brazil benefits from a more fragmented and cost-efficient installer ecosystem, lower overhead costs, and fewer trade barriers, which collectively reduce installation expenses and improve market competitiveness.
Lower system costs, together with Brazil’s high solar irradiation, have accelerated the country’s progress in distributed solar generation. In 2024, distributed generation accounted for 65% of Brazil’s installed solar capacity, compared to just 20% in the United States. These conditions position Brazil as a rapidly growing market for residential solar energy, highlighting how regulatory frameworks, market structure, and natural resources can strongly influence the pace and affordability of energy transition.
Link: https://canalsolar.com.br/en/solar-energy-usa-brazil-price/
