Palavras-chave: Capacidade absortiva; Inovação; Coletores solares; Setor elétrico.Abstract: This article aims to assess the Brazilian manufacturers of solar panels based on their absorptive capacity (AC) of new technological knowledge and innovation resulting from the assimilation and transformation of this same knowledge, in order to manufacture air conditioning equipment sourcing energy from high performance solar panels. It is an article of great relevance, given the current situation of Brazilian electricity sector and the need for energy efficiency and the use of alternative sources of energy, specifically solar. The theoretical framework addresses the concepts on AC, as well as how to evaluate and measure them. A quantitative research was performed in order to evaluate the AC of these manufacturers, applying a diagnostic tool adapted to the reality of Brazilian companies. The results of this research concluded that these companies do not yet have mature AC for developing an innovative product, showing a higher tendency for the potential dimension of AC when compared to the realized dimension. This finding corroborates the prospects for future research and development projects if the surveyed companies strengthen their ability to promote interactions with other organizations devoted to that same purpose.