The Adoption of Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Rural Areas of Brazil

Abstract

In this study, we categorize the perceptions regarding the benefits and the barriers of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in rural areas. We collected the data through a questionnaire, answered by 116 Brazilian farmers. These respondents have farms located in the state of Minas Gerais, which is the Brazilian state with the large installed potency for PV energy. On one hand, the main results indicate that few farmers of the sample already use solar energy at their rural properties; respondents consider environmental issues and cost saving as the main benefits related to solar energy. On the other hand, the majority of the respondents informed that they intend to use PV systems in the future.