The global voice for renewable energy

Written by Dr. Aline Kirsten Vidal de Oliveira, Dr. Marcelo Almeida, Marília Braga
Brazil isn't just embracing solar energy—it’s revolutionizing its potential in the global energy sector. As we count down to the Solar World Congress 2025 in Fortaleza, let’s dive into Brazil’s solar energy history.

Fifteen years ago, no one could have imagined that Brazil would become one of the world’s largest powers in photovoltaic solar energy. And for good reason—until 2010, the country had only a few dozen megawatts installed in the form of isolated systems distributed throughout the country, mainly in the North and Northeast regions. These systems were largely encouraged and financed by government rural electrification programs, such as the "Luz para Todos" (Light for All) Program.

Written by Dr. Davé Renné
About a decade ago, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) established the Coalition for Action (CfA), a non-governmental multi-stakeholder platform for promoting the rapid uptake of renewable energy technologies.  I wrote about the CfA in my last SunBurst, nearly two years ago, but the activities that ISES plays within the CfA are perhaps even more relevant today. 

Written by Prof. Viktoria Martin
I recently returned from a Kenya Project meeting for the EU-financed project EPIC Africa [1] during which I was reminded that “going solar” can be as simple as a single solar hot water heating system. Supported by the Kenya’s Solar Hot Water Heating regulations [2], it is a common sight around the Nairobi area where we stayed. Can we hope for a future where such solutions are founded in the basic planning of a community? Where harnessing the sun for hot water is “eventually the only option” that comes to mind. Why not?! It makes sense, and as a community adopts this technology, visioning that the sun can also provide electricity may not be so far-fetched of a thought. The ball is rolling, and momentum is gaining, which is highly inspiring to the rest of the world.

The future is bright, and we want YOU to be part of it! The International Solar Energy Society (ISES) is driving the transition to a 100% renewable energy future, and we need passionate individuals like you to help lead the charge.