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Exhibición virtual de experiencias comunitarias de Transición Energética Justa > Experiences 2021 > Harvesting the sun to heat homes -MAB

Harvesting the sun to heat homes -MAB

List item 1

Ten solar panels for water heating installed in the neighborhood of Lomba do Pinheiro, in the city of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil.

Type of technology

Solar water heating panels (ASBC System – Low-cost solar water heater)

Technical characteristics of the proposal

Water heating (based on sunlight) up to 90º.

Productive, community, environmental, or economic processes or activities that were positively impacted by the implementation of the community experience of TEJ.

It generates electricity savings for families, ranging from 30 to 40%, since it replaces the electric shower head, the money saved is used for other needs. The experience also generates comfort, since the proposal is installed in the kitchen, which makes it possible to supply other needs because the hot water is installed in the kitchen and for other family needs.

Beneficiaries of the experience

10 families composed of 40 people

  1. Increased community organization and knowledge of the Brazilian energy issue.
  2. Significant savings in the electricity bills of beneficiary families.
  3. Protagonism and participation of women.
  1. Equipment purchase costs

Women’s participation in the TEJ community experience

Women are the main beneficiaries and protagonists of the debate provided by the experience.

Impact of the community experience of TEJ on public policy

The experience became a benchmark for alternative energy in the city of Porto Alegre, demonstrating that it is possible to reduce the cost of paying the high rates charged in the country. 

Several communities have contacted the proposal to replicate it. Likewise, the implementation has put on the public agenda the importance of alternatives and the possibility of creating public policies to guarantee energy in popular neighborhoods.