The government of Bahia is installing solar energy systems in 156 schools.

247 - Schools in the Bahia state education system are receiving photovoltaic solar energy systems to reduce costs and increase sustainability. The project, conducted by the State Department of Education (SEC) in partnership with the Department of Infrastructure (Seinfra), represents an investment of over R$ 131 million and is part of a strategy for energy transition in school units.

According to Afonso Requião, executive coordinator of Physical Network Infrastructure at SEC, the initiative is part of tender Seinfra/Sepec nº 003/2023 and will benefit 156 full-time state schools spread across various regions of the state. “In addition to the economic benefit of reduced electricity costs, the implementation of photovoltaic energy in public schools demonstrates the State's concern for the environment, as it is considered an alternative, renewable, clean and sustainable energy source,” Requião emphasizes.

With an installed capacity of approximately 47.000 kWp, the systems include photovoltaic modules and inverters, which convert sunlight into electrical energy. In this way, the school units become self-sufficient and can use the surplus to offset the energy costs of other institutions linked to the SEC (State Education Secretariat).

The schools built through the “Build to Educate” program already have photovoltaic power plants included in the construction contracts. To date, four plants have been inaugurated: one at the Cascavel State Full-Time Rural School in Ibicoara, and three others at the São Daniel Comboni, Vila Canária, and Professor Rômulo Almeida state schools in Salvador. Another 38 plants are under construction, while four are still awaiting the bidding process. The specific investment in this segment of the project totals more than R$ 50 million.