Gisela Regatao

Customers won't pay higher fees, Moura says.

More than 40% of Brazil's electricity comes from hydropower, but solar is growing and is already second, with 25%.

Solar panels are also being installed in remote regions of the Amazon as part of a federal program.

Almost 1 million people in that region don't have access to electricity.

John Werdig, energy transition manager at the non-profit Arayara, believes solar power makes sense for Noronha.

But he says the archipelago also needs to improve energy efficiency.

Many public buildings are old, and newer, fancier hotels need more electricity.

That's a crazy idea for an island that has the most beautiful ocean in the world, he says.

In addition to the transition to solar, abandoned combustion vehicles were supposed to take effect in Noronha last year.

That's on hold until 2030.

In Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, I'm Gisele Regatao for Marketplace.