Last month, Dilma Rousseff announced a reduction in electricity rates- the biggest in Brazil's history which will be effective from January 2013. The move, designed to boost domestic industrial production and provide relief for consumers facing high electricity prices has been met with mixed responses.

Questions have been raised as to how this affects the fledgling solar power sector in the country. Recent reports by EPE demonstrated that electricity produced from solar power was already competitive with electricity prices in a large number of regions in Brazil. Both the solar and the power industry are now reviewing their calculations to assess what the cuts mean for the sector.

On 16-17 October, the country’s burgeoning solar industry will pack out the Ceasar Park Hotel in Sao Paulo to meet with ANEEL, Brazil’s utilities and investors to discuss the next steps the solar industry will take forward.

The congress comes at a crucial time for the sector as utilities finalise their studies on the adoption of net metering legislation which will also become effective at the end of the year and discussions are still underway about the role of a solar auction.

As a country heavily dependent on renewable resources, with the hydro sector coming under fire and the wind industry encountering problems following the last auction- solar power has been shining a ray of light on power production for the country. Keen to not slip behind other rapidly expanding solar markets in Latin America Brazil’s progress in 2013 is being closely monitored.

For those already active in the solar market, those looking to get the latest on solar economics and those looking to meet with the companies already adopting solar development on a wide scale, 16-17 October represents an important date. A few places remain for the meeting which is being attended by such solar stalwarts as AEG, Fronius, JA Solar, Trina Solar, Schneider, Abengoa . For more information on registering visit www.greenpowerconferences.com/solarbrasil.

On 16-17 October, the country's burgeoning solar industry will pack out the Ceasar Park Hotel in Sao Paulo to meet with ANEEL, Brazil's utilities and investors to discuss the next steps the solar industry will take forward.