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Abstract: This paper presents a prospective analysis of grid connected solar photovoltaic (PV) systems in the Brazilian household sector. With the reduction of solar PV module prices around the world and the high tariffs for residential consumers in Brazil some regions of the country with large solar radiation resource are reaching the grid electricity-price parity. In this context the objective of this paper is to evaluate scenarios of technology diffusion up to 2030 considering policy mechanisms to foster the development of grid connected PV generation. The three mechanisms assessed are the net metering compensation scheme as proposed by the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL), feed-in tariffs and direct subsidies to PV installations. We evaluate the market penetration potential in each case using a logit-function approach. The investigation results show that PV distributed technology has good opportunities for Brazil to diversify its energy matrix with potential economic and environmental benefits. However it is clear that the absence of long-term energy policy objectives for solar PV and the lack of additional support mechanisms could reflect in an inefficient and incipient adoption of this technology and the loss of its potential benefits. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

For the last 20 years, several countries have been carrying out structural reforms in the natural gas industry, trying to achieve efficiency and economic rationality with the introduction of competition. This paper presents a model that seeks to stimulate competition in Brazil''s natural gas industry on the basis of a market projection to 2011, on the international experience and on the characteristics of the the country''s market, infrastructure and regulatory framework. Possible impacts of this model are also provided. According to the market projection carried out in this paper, in 2011 there will be a possible surplus of natural gas in the country. This surplus, allied to trade liberalization in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, can stimulate the development of competition, if some changes are made in the current regulation. The model proposed herein seeks to stimulate non-discriminatory open access through regulation focused on information transparency and tariff regulation to help the development of competition. This would possibly reduce the prices to the end-user through the improvement of economic efficiency and provide additional supply and demand flexibility mechanisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]