Problem

Around one-quarter of Rio de Janeiro’s population lives in favelas — slum areas located around the outskirts of the city. Residents of favelas are primarily low-income communities that have long struggled with limited access to essential public services like affordable energy.

Responses

Founded in 2015, RevoluSolar seeks to address these issues by promoting solar energy as a sustainable and affordable solution for low-income communities in Rio’s Babilônia and Chapéu Mangueira favelas. The organisation operates through a “Solar Cycle” methodology, where local professionals trained by RevoluSolar install, operate, and maintain solar PV systems using a cooperative model. In the last quarter of 2021, RevoluSolar has installed four solar plants through its Sustainable Energy Program, cumulating an installed capacity of 38 kWp with estimated annual savings of around BRL 8000 (€1448).

In parallel, RevoluSolar also launched a Professional Training Program to equip favela residents with solar installation and electrical work skills, preparing them for jobs in the growing solar industry. By 2021, 81 residents had been hired, with 10 receiving advanced training, generating local income of around BRL 59000 (€10,700) and potential long-term employment opportunities.

Find out more: International Energy Agency (p51-52)