EDP’s Solar Plant generates over BRL 110,000 in savings for residents of Favela dos Sonhos in Ferraz de Vasconcelos
Between March 2024 and August 2025, 154 families from Favela dos Sonhos, in Ferraz de Vasconcelos (SP), saved over BRL 110,000 on their electricity bills thanks to renewable energy generated by a solar plant operated by EDP, a company active across all segments of Brazil’s electric power sector.
The social micro solar plant, located in Roseira (SP), has an installed capacity of 75 kW, and the energy generated is distributed to community residents as credits on their electricity bills. Since its inauguration in February 2024, the plant has generated over 480,000 kWh. The savings allow families to allocate resources to other needs, such as food and leisure. Monthly savings vary depending on the energy generated, and the credits are shared among participants. The project, which received over BRL 500,000 in investment from EDP, is carried out in partnership with Gerando Falcões.
“This initiative reinforces EDP’s commitment to leading a just energy transition, contributing to social inclusion, quality of life, and well-being in the communities where we operate through awareness and access to safe energy”, says Dominic Schmal, ESG Director for EDP in South America.
Favela dos Sonhos will continue to benefit from the solar energy generated by EDP’s social plant until 2026. After that, and for another 17 years, the same plant will support other socially vulnerable communities participating in the Comunidade In Program and connected to EDP’s distribution network in São Paulo. Comunidade In is a social program developed by EDP aimed at integrated development and progressive improvement of quality of life through actions that address local needs.
Complementary Initiatives for a Fair Energy Transition
The social solar plant is just one of several initiatives that EDP is implementing in Favela dos Sonhos. To make the plant’s installation possible, the company regularized the community’s electrical infrastructure, improving the quality and safety of the energy network. Inside homes, in partnership with the global NGO Habitat, internal electrical systems were upgraded for greater energy efficiency, benefiting 55 households.
In October last year, the streets and alleys of Favela dos Sonhos received sustainable public lighting. In partnership with the organization Litro de Luz, 30 solar-powered streetlights were installed, significantly improving daily life for families who previously struggled to move around at night due to the lack of lighting.
Recently, the Community Stewardship and Safety project was also launched. In partnership with Gerando Falcões, the initiative aims to reduce electrical accidents, regularize installations, and raise awareness about safe electricity use, promoting better quality of life and safety. Activities include training sessions and interventions focused on improving electrical installations, educating on conscious consumption, and providing guidance to avoid unsafe practices.
Fair Energy Transition
Over the past year, EDP increased its investments in social energy transition projects by 34% compared to the previous year, totaling approximately BRL 1.4 million. EDP’s social projects that bring renewable energy to communities have reached 45 kWp in installed capacity and included over 200 educational activities focused on energy topics.
The Solar Community project in Jabaeté, Vila Velha (ES), is bringing renewable energy to local institutions and installing solar-powered charging stations in public squares and other communal spaces. Meanwhile, the ongoing Solar Social Public Call will allocate up to BRL 650,000 to provide renewable energy to 20 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs). These EDP initiatives align with the company’s global program Y.E.S. – You Empower Society, which supports social responsibility projects for a fair energy transition.