This article evaluated the use of photovoltaic energy in a public institute of health research, based on the potential savings, the environmental agenda of the Brazilian public service, the UN Agenda 2030 and the concept of "One Health". Opportunity issues were also observed: physical structure of the institute, geographic location and favorable solar irradiation. The observed results met the expectations of the public institute and demonstrated the potential of this renewable energy source. However, replicating the experience in other public institutions depends on a series of factors that impact the cost/benefit of the necessary investment.