A Solar Photovoltaic System Applied to Açaí Production and the Development of Riverside Communities in the Amazon

Allan Pena (), Pedro Guedes, Francisco Malheiros, Felipe Monteiro, Werbeston Oliveira, Márcio Oliveira, Gilmar Paixão, Moisés Sousa, Geraldo Maranhão, Alcides Júnior, André Oliveira, Davi François, Mary Parmentier, Marcelino Guedes and Alaan Brito
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Allan Pena: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais (PPGCA), Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil
Pedro Guedes: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Carlos 13566-590, SP, Brazil
Francisco Malheiros: Associação de Trabalhadores Agroextrativistas da Ilha das Cinzas (ATAIC), Gurupá, PA, Brazil
Felipe Monteiro: Colegiado do Curso de Engenharia Elétrica, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil
Werbeston Oliveira: Colegiado do Curso de Engenharia Elétrica, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil
Márcio Oliveira: Colegiado do Curso de Engenharia Elétrica, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil
Gilmar Paixão: Colegiado do Curso de Engenharia Elétrica, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil
Moisés Sousa: Colegiado do Curso de Engenharia Elétrica, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil
Geraldo Maranhão: Colegiado do Curso de Engenharia Elétrica, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil
Alcides Júnior: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais (PPGCA), Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil
André Oliveira: Colegiado do Curso de Engenharia Elétrica, Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil
Davi François: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis (ITAS), 76133 Karlsruhe, Germany
Mary Parmentier: School for the Future of Innovation in Society, Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe, AZ 85281, USA
Marcelino Guedes: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais (PPGCA), Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil
Alaan Brito: Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais (PPGCA), Universidade Federal do Amapá (UNIFAP), Macapá 68903-419, AP, Brazil

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-21

Abstract: Energy exclusion in the Amazon imposes barriers to the socioeconomic development of riverine communities, affecting the açaí value chain. Photovoltaic solar energy is a promising solution; however, its insertion in isolated communities with a focus on strengthening the açaí chain is still a challenge. This research aims to use photovoltaic solar energy as an integration mechanism for productive activities and a better quality of life for riverside families in the Brazilian Amazon. This study was conducted in the Ilha das Cinzas Community, in Gurupá/PA, starting with a rapid participatory diagnosis to understand the characteristics of the families. Strategic planning using the SWOT methodology was used to define action plans to enhance the insertion of solar technology. A new photovoltaic system configuration adaptable to the energy demands of families, capable of meeting both daily and motor loads was developed. In addition, the action plans included training residents and the sharing of experiences with other communities, ensuring greater success in technology transfer. This study demonstrates that the socioeconomic development of riverine communities can be achieved through the insertion of new technologies adapted to their reality, accompanied by the participation and training of the actors involved.

Keywords: renewable energy; electrical exclusion; access to basic services; participatory diagnosis; strategic planning; adaptable configuration; technology transfer; training of residents (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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