Renewable energy jobs at Revolusolar

In 2021, Revolusolar established what it describes as Brazil’s first solar energy cooperative located in a favela. Developed in Babilônia, Rio de Janeiro, the initiative provided 34 families with affordable clean electricity, created jobs and established a local governance structure (sources: revolusolar.org.br, leverforchange.org). In Babilônia and Chapéu-Mangueira, communities in Rio’s South Zone, the organisation develops, researches and manages renewable energy systems and provides training for residents (source: rioonwatch.org). In Vila Velha, Espírito Santo, the Jabaeté Solar Community project began in 2023 with the installation of solar systems at three sites: the headquarters of Tons de Amoras, Instituto GG5 and Associação Nova Jabaeté. These venues host workshops for women, educational support for children, youth activities, urban art, community cinema and local organising initiatives (source: revolusolar.org.br). The project’s second phase, launched in 2025, was designed to meet the electricity needs of 100 families in the Condomínio Residencial Vila Velha social housing development, with a documented installed capacity of 14.70 kWp (source: revolusolar.org.br). Its portfolio spans ten territories across urban and rural areas, Indigenous territories in the Amazon and other traditional communities. One profile records 22 systems totalling 475 kWp across five states, 113 local technicians trained, around 16,800 people directly benefiting and an estimated 490 tonnes of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions avoided; another reports 417 kWp in operation and more than 15,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries (sources: leverforchange.org, waverleystreet.org).

In 2025, the organisation led the development of a study on social and environmental safeguards for large-scale solar photovoltaic projects, in collaboration with civil society organisations, researchers, social movements and affected communities (source: revolusolar.org.br). The study examines social and environmental risks and proposes strengthening planning, scientific assessment, public participation and biodiversity protection as solar energy expands (source: revolusolar.org.br). Revolusolar is also developing a digital platform to showcase solar professionals trained through its programmes, connect them with companies seeking skilled workers and track employment outcomes (source: revolusolar.org.br). Its strategy sets out a planning cycle through to 2030, with broader territorial reach, stronger governance and institutional structures, expanded public policy engagement and a consolidated role as a technical authority in Brazil’s debate on a just energy transition (source: revolusolar.org.br).

Roles at Revolusolar may span non-profit operations, solar engineering, community development, education, research and public policy. They can include photovoltaic design and installation, electrical work, field operations, project coordination, technical training, communications, fundraising and administrative support (sources: revolusolar.org.br, leverforchange.org). Technical roles may involve site assessments, system installation and maintenance, implementation of hybrid or microgrid solutions, and training residents. The organisation reports that 113 people have been trained as solar installers and electricians (sources: waverleystreet.org, revolusolar.org.br). Programme and outreach work involves residents, associations, cultural groups, youth initiatives, Indigenous and traditional communities, and social housing beneficiaries. The team is described as multidisciplinary and made up mainly of women, young people and Black professionals, combining technical expertise with lived experience in the communities (source: leverforchange.org). The head office is in Cidade Nova, Rio de Janeiro, but projects cover several Brazilian territories, so project, installation, training and community roles may involve travel or extended periods in partner communities (source: revolusolar.org.br). The methodology prioritises local leadership and combines technical work with education, cultural activities and community development in a field-based, socially minded working environment (sources: waverleystreet.org, leverforchange.org).