POTENCIAL FOR SOLAR PHOTOVOILTAIC ENERGY GENERATION IN DUMPS AND LANDFILLS IN BRAZIL

Abstract

In this work an estimative study of the potential of photovoltaic solar generation in dumps was performed. First, the number of municipalities that dispose of their waste in controlled dumps or landfills in the municipality itself was estimated. Calculating a representative sample size of dumps and landfills, the areas were measured visually with Google Earth and the average area was determined. It was then determined the power and energy that a photovoltaic system, occupying several percentages of the average area, would be able to provide with the irradiance and latitude values of the capitals of Brazil. The data from the capitals were extrapolated to the Federation Units and, finally, to the whole country. With a 25% utilization of all dumps and controlled landfills areas, there would be an installed photovoltaic solar power of 1.52 GW and generation of 2.12 TWh/year, capable of supplying 0.45% of the country’s energy consumption compared to 2017 consumption.