Contribuições da energia solar fotovoltaica para o desenvolvimento rural sustentável: um estudo em São Paulo das Missões/RS

Abstract

This dissertation investigates how photovoltaic solar energy generated in family farming establishments contributes to sustainable rural development in the municipality of São Paulo das Missões/RS, considering the role of federal public policies, the types of systems installed (on-grid and off-grid), and the opportunities and challenges for its local implementation. The study is justified by the growing demand for sustainable and integrated solutions for rural areas, aligned with UN/SDG 7, with photovoltaic solar energy emerging as an innovative and promising alternative. The research is also justified by its contribution to theoretical and practical advancement, as it explores a subject still underdeveloped in national academic production, with emphasis on the socioeconomic reality of São Paulo das Missões/RS and the researcher’s role as a local agent of transformation. The empirical research was based on the concept of rural development and the social, environmental, and economic dimensions through the “sustainability tripod” model. It was conducted at the descriptive level and used field research as its strategy. Research participants included family farmers who implemented photovoltaic systems and those who did not. Data was collected through questionnaires and documentary research, and analyzed using content analysis with a qualitative approach. The results indicate that the expansion of distributed electricity generation via photovoltaic systems contributes, in most of the establishments analyzed, to boosting rural production, providing greater energy availability for the development and expansion of productive processes, reducing electricity costs, improving the quality of life of rural families, valuing the territory and its local production networks, and encouraging the adoption of environmentally responsible practices. However, its adoption still presents some challenges and frustrations, classified in the study as limitations, losses, and causes of regret. It is concluded that photovoltaic solar energy represents a strategic alternative to integrate technological innovation into the sustainable practices of family farming, expanding the possibilities for rural development with social justice and environmental preservation.