Solar Energy

Our country is very lucky to possess a high solar energy potential, in terms of its geographical location.

According to the Solar Energy Map (SEM) of Turkey prepared by the Renewable Energy General Directorate, it has been determined that the total annual insolation time is 2.737 hours (a total of 7i5 hours per day), and the total solar energy derived per year is 1.527 kWh/m2 per year (total 4,2 kWh/m2 per day).

While solar energy technologies are extremely varied in terms of their methods, materials and technological levels, they can be split into two principal groups:

Photo-emissive Solar Technologies and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): In this system heat is obtained solar energy, and can be used either directly or in the generation of electricity.

Solar Cells: Semi-conducting materials, which are also known as photovoltaic solar energy systems, convert the sunlight directly into electricity.

The total established solar collector area within our country as of 2012 was calculated as being close to 18.640.000 m2. The annual production of planary solar collectors was calculated as 1.164.000 m2, while that of vacuum-tube collectors was 57.600 m2. 50% of the planary collectors, and all of the vacuum-tube collectors which are produced are known to be used within the country. In 2012, close to 768.000 TEP Tonnes Equivalent to Petrol) heat energy was produced using solar collectors. The use of the heat energy produced in 2012 was calculated as 500.000 TEP in homes, and 268.000 TEP for industrial purposes.

The Renewable Energy Resources Legislation numbered 5346, which is necessary in order for the use of photovoltaic systems to become more widespread, was revised on 29.12.2010, and the studies concerning the Legislation were completed in 2013. It is expected that there will be more widespread use as a result of the costs of photovoltaic systems falling, and productivity rising in recent years.

The technical evaluations of the applications made to EMRA for the licensed generation of electricity in 2013 are currently being carried out, and photovoltaic plant licenses will be given to 600 MW of installed capacity at this first stage. This capacity will be increased in stages in the coming years, with the target of our Ministry being a minimum of 3000 MW installed capacity of license PV plants in 2023.

The details presented here have been prepared with the aim of informing the users of the website of our Ministry, and do not possess the characteristics of official binding documents. 2014