Discover Fortlev Solar’s innovative Solar Ballast solution, which revolutionizes ground-mounted photovoltaic plant installations by eliminating drilling and optimizing assembly with sustainability.
The solar energy landscape in Brazil and worldwide is advancing with innovations that simplify and accelerate the deployment of large-scale projects. Traditionally, ground-mounted photovoltaic plants required complex foundations and drilling, but a Brazilian technology is changing this panorama, offering a faster and less invasive alternative for the photovoltaic sector.
Fortlev Solar, with its Solar Ballast® solution, presents a method that bypasses direct ground intervention. Polyethylene structures arrive empty at the construction site, are strategically positioned, and filled with materials like sand, soil, or gravel, ensuring the necessary stability for solar modules. This advancement represents a leap in efficiency and sustainability for solar installations, directly impacting the timeline and costs of clean energy projects.
A Revolution in Solar Plant Installation
The Solar Ballast® technology, developed by Fortlev Solar and launched in 2024, offers a unique approach to panel fixation. Instead of concrete or piles, the system uses the weight of the filling material to anchor the structures. This drastically simplifies logistics, as the polyethylene parts weigh only about 15 kg when empty, facilitating transportation and handling on the construction site.
Versatility is a cornerstone of Solar Ballast®. After positioning, the structures are filled with any granular material available on-site, including waste from the construction itself. Then, the metal profiles for the photovoltaic modules are attached. This flexibility is crucial for projects on challenging terrain, where conventional foundations could generate additional costs and complexities, such as in areas with high water tables or sandy soil.
Agility and Economy Proven in the Field
The transformative potential of Solar Ballast® was demonstrated at the Rio Sol Plant, located in São João da Barra, in Northern Rio de Janeiro. With over 7 MWp of power and 10,092 photovoltaic modules, the plant faced the challenge of a coastal terrain characterized by sand and a high water table. The choice for Fortlev Solar’s system was decisive in overcoming these adverse conditions.
“We looked for a viable solution, and the ballast was the best option for us. It was 50% faster than the conventional method.”
Stated Henrique Ferreira, civil engineer and owner of Terra Construções, highlighting the speed of execution. The use of Solar Ballast® eliminated steps such as curing time and allowed for the utilization of locally sourced material, optimizing resources and labor. The installation team, which grew to 35 professionals, focused on assembly, accelerating the project timeline.
The reduction in delivery time was a crucial factor for investors. Victor Miranda, director of Apoio Solar and investor in the Rio Sol Plant, shared his experience:
“We opted for the ballast the moment we saw the product. You have a lower cost in relation to time. So, my team, which would have had to work on a project like this for approximately six to ten months, I was able to shorten it to four to five months, which was roughly our construction time.”
He further added, summarizing the execution:
“Of all our plants and systems we have installed, it was the easiest project to execute.”
International Recognition and Global Expansion
Since its launch in 2024, Solar Ballast® has received significant recognition. In the same year, it won first place in the categories “Conversion Product” and “Product of the Year” at Rotoplas 2024, a rotational molding industry event in the United States. Two years after its launch, Fortlev Solar‘s solution continues to stand out, as evidenced by its participation in Intersolar South America 2026.
International expansion is a priority for Fortlev Solar. The partnership with the Bolivian group Amesol, established after contact at Intersolar 2024, marked the official entry of Solar Ballast® into Latin America. This collaboration not only validates Brazilian technology but also opens doors to new markets.
“The expansion of Solar Ballast in Latin America is a historic milestone for Fortlev Solar. It validates not only the quality of our solution but all the work carried out by the engineering, development, operations, and commercial teams over the past few years. This advancement shows that we are prepared to take the innovation created in Brazil to new international markets.”
Commented Maykow Torres, co-founder of Fortlev Solar. The product has already been presented at the Finergy fair in Bolivia and exported to regions such as Europe and the United States, consolidating its global presence.
Fortlev Solar projects continued growth for Solar Ballast®, aiming to expand its presence in new markets and drive larger-scale projects. The solution positions itself as a key component for building a more sustainable future, where solar energy is increasingly accessible and efficient. Brazilian innovation is thus contributing to energy efficiency and the competitiveness of the photovoltaic sector on a global scale.
“Our expectation is to further expand the solution’s presence in new markets, participate in larger projects, and accelerate the adoption of technologies that bring more efficiency and competitiveness to the photovoltaic sector.”
Concludes Leonardo Santos, Relationship Manager at Fortlev Solar, reinforcing the commitment to clean energy and innovation.
