Percília and Lúcio Cooperative was the first solar energy cooperative in a favela in Brazil. It was created in 2021 in the Babilônia and Chapéu Mangueira favelas in Rio de Janeiro. As we began during the pandemic, we faced various problems in our community, including access to quality energy and the rising cost of electricity bills.

The NGO Revulosolar was founded in 2015 in the Babilônia favela with the aim of building a social solar energy model in the area. They successfully organized a crowdfunding campaign and received private donations to raise funds and establish the first cooperative for distributing solar energy to a favela in Brazil.

The cooperative started with 34 member families who chose the name Percília and Lúcio for the project, in honor of two great community leaders who left a legacy of struggle and victories through education in Babilônia and Chapéu Mangueira.

The results achieved so far include a reduction of about 50% in the electricity bills of the member families. Of the money saved, half remains with the beneficiaries and can be used for food, leisure, and other needs, improving the quality of life for the families. The other half goes to the cooperative for its maintenance, ensuring the project’s economic sustainability, which is 100% managed by the members themselves.

In 2023, the cooperative welcomed 17 more families through the historic inauguration of the first solar plant in a Child Development Space (EDI) of the Municipal Network of Rio de Janeiro. The installation of this solar energy system was carried out by solar electricians from the community, who were trained in Revolusolar’s Professional Training Program by the residents of Babilônia and Chapéu Mangueira themselves.

Now, in 2024, the project continues to expand. We are completing the construction of another plant in the community’s sports court, increasing the energy potential of the Percília and Lúcio Cooperative with the goal of benefiting a total of 100 low-income families.

Find out more about Revolusolar by visiting their website: revolusolar.org.br

Also, you can check out Percília and Lúcio Cooperative on social media: