Brazilian innovation backed by Finep uses rare earths to increase the efficiency of photovoltaic solar panels by up to 12% without requiring module replacement.
The market for clean and sustainable energy in Brazil has just received a significant technological boost.
A national innovation promises to transform the landscape of photovoltaic solar generation by optimizing the performance of already installed panels, reducing costs and accelerating the country’s energy transition.
Developed by Anexo Energia in Goiás, the photoluminescent film called QORA represents a significant advancement for the sector.
With support from Finep – the Brazilian Innovation Agency (Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos) – the solution utilizes rare earth compounds to enhance solar light capture, thereby increasing the energy efficiency of the equipment.
The Science Behind the Photoluminescent Film
The technology’s secret lies in the use of a rare earth compound based on europium.
This innovative substance directly converts ultraviolet radiation, which was previously poorly utilized and only generated heat in the solar panel.
With the film’s application, this light is transformed into a much more useful spectrum for energy generation, optimizing the photovoltaic process.
In laboratory settings, the technology has demonstrated the capability to increase equipment electricity production by 12%.
In addition to the immediate gain in energy efficiency, the solution directly contributes to the circular economy by extending the lifespan of solar panels and delaying their premature disposal.
Investment and Strategic Partnership
The R&D project was made possible by a R$ 3.9 million grant from Finep through economic subsidy resources.
Combined with Anexo Energia’s counterpart contribution, the total investment in the initiative reached R$ 4.4 million, demonstrating the strength of industrial innovation funding in Brazil.
Wister Alves stated:
“QORA is the result of a journey where science, industry, and public innovation policies worked together. Finep’s support was crucial for us to assume the technological risk, develop and validate the solution, and reach the commercial stage.”
This statement by Wister Alves, founder and CEO of Grupo Anexo, highlights the importance of the public funding ecosystem in bringing innovations from concept to market in the competitive renewable energy sector.
Modernizing Solar Assets
One of the QORA film’s greatest advantages is its application versatility.
Instead of requiring the expansion of areas for new plants or the complete replacement of large solar farms, the technology allows for the simple and efficient modernization of existing infrastructure.
The solution was designed to cater to everything from small residential systems to large photovoltaic solar generation complexes.
This ease of integration represents a leap in productivity for the electricity sector, maximizing assets already installed across the country.
Recognition and Next Steps
The innovation’s positive impact was recognized in 2025 when the project won the Center-West region stage of the Finep Innovation Award.
The award highlighted initiatives focused on bioeconomy, decarbonization, and energy transition and security.
Newton Hamatsu stated:
“Initiatives like this, which aim to increase the efficiency of renewable sources and accelerate Brazil’s energy transition, align with Finep’s focus due to their structural nature.”
This was emphasized by Newton Hamatsu, superintendent of the Energy Transition and Infrastructure area at Finep.
With the commercial version finalized in 2025, Anexo Energia and the Anexo Institute are now seeking new commercial and industrial partners.
The goal is to scale up production and expand the presence of Brazilian rare earth technology in both domestic and international markets, consolidating the country as a hub for advanced solar energy solutions.
