Solar energy lights up Rio de Janeiro's favelas

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Favelas in Brazil are tapping into green energy

A project called Revolu Solar fits solar panels to homes

The goal is to provide affordable energy to people who need it

(SOUNDBITE) (Portuguese) DENISE VIEIRA, FAVELA RESIDENT WHO RECEIVES ELECTRICITY FROM SOLAR PANELS, SAYING:

"We still do not have great access because our government still does not provide supplies that are cheaper, but shortly, we will have that solution and those more affordable materials because this is spreading a lot."

The cost of electricity in Rio has jumped 105% in the last decade

The cost of installing solar panels has fallen 85%

Residents receive a discount for using solar energy

Revolu Solar hopes to expand the project to reduce the city’s carbon footprint