Energia renovável : benefícios alcançados frente aos investimentos em energia solar fotovoltaica no Campus Bento Gonçalves do Instituto Federal do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Global energy consumption is still predominantly supplied by fossil fuels, which imposes environmental and financial challenges on public organizations. In this context, solar photovoltaic energy has been consolidated as a strategic alternative for rationalizing resources and strengthening institutional sustainability. The present study aimed to identify the perceived benefits of investments in solar photovoltaic energy at the Bento Gonçalves Campus of the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS). This is an exploratory and descriptive research, with a predominantly qualitative approach, complemented by descriptive analysis of consumption data and energy costs in the period from 2020 to 2025. The results show an average reduction of approximately 16.5% in annual electricity costs after the full operation of the photovoltaic plant, in addition to a decrease in consumption from the conventional grid, greater budgetary predictability and strengthening of institutional energy autonomy. It was also observed that the installed infrastructure was integrated into teaching and management activities, consolidating the investment as a sustainable public innovation practice. It is concluded that the analyzed experience generated measurable economic benefits and strengthened organizational sustainability, establishing itself as a replicable model in the Federal Network of Professional, Scientific and Technological Education. [resumo fornecido pelo autor]