Turkey’s Solar Energy Potential and Unlicensed Solar Power Plant Projects
Türkiye has an enormous solar energy potential due to its geographical location. According to the Solar Energy Potential Atlas, the annual sunshine duration in our country is 2,737 hours and the total annual solar energy is 1,527 kWh/m².year. This potential is seen more efficiently, especially in the southern regions.
Considering the projected costs for an unlicensed megawatt solar power plant project, a detailed plan is required for the equipment to be installed and the required space. For example, for a 1 MW power plant, equipment such as approximately 4,000 260/265 Watt solar panels, aluminum construction mounting systems, inverters, and remote monitoring systems are required. In addition, elements such as land preparation, landscaping and security systems should also be taken into consideration.
| Material | Amount |
|---|---|
| Solar Panel | 4.000 pcs |
| Aluminium Mounting Systems | Not specified |
| Inverter | 25 kW, 40 pcs |
| Remote Monitoring System | Not specified |
| Solar Cables and Connections | Not specified |
| Three-Phase Bidirectional Electricity Meter | 1 pcs |
| Lightning rod | Not specified |
| Fence, Excavation, Construction | Not specified |
| Land requirement | 21.000m² |
| Project Details | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panel | 4.000 pcs |
| 25 kW Inverter | 40 pcs |
| Control and Monitoring System | 4 pcs |
| Fixed Mounting Structure | 1 set |
| DC cabling | 21.000 m |
| Combiner box | 1 set |
| Fence and Gate Works | 1.000 m² |
| Landscaping and Earthworks | 1.500 m³ |
| Lightning Protection Systems | 1 set |
| Video Security Systems | 1 set |
| Transformer, Kiosk, Cells, Power Line Works | 1 set |
| Labour | 1 set |
| AC cabling | 3.750 m |
Regional evaluation of projects is important. For example, if a 1 MW solar power plant is established in a region with high solar potential such as Mersin, monthly and annual electricity production can be estimated. In this planning, the economic return of the investment should also be taken into account. The state’s energy purchase guarantee and incentives offer investors a profitable perspective in the long term.
However, when calculating costs and returns, the advantages of domestic production and the impact of national regulations should not be ignored. Particularly in unlicensed solar energy projects, encouraging local production and providing support in this direction plays an important role.
This information can serve as a guide for those who want to invest in solar energy. A balanced evaluation of geographical location, costs and returns of the project can form the key elements for a successful solar energy project.
| Region | Sunshine Duration (hours/year) | Incoming Solar Energy (kWh/m².year) |
|---|---|---|
| South-eastern Anatolia | 3000 | 1.460 |
| Mediterranean | 2.956 | – |
| Eastern Anatolia | 2.664 | – |
| Central Anatolia | 2.628 | – |
| Aegean Region | 2.738 | – |
| Marmara | 2.409 | – |
| Black Sea | 1.971 | 1.120 |
Solar Energy Data for Mersin Province
| Months | Installed kWh | Estimated kWh | kW produced | 90% Performance* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.000 | 617,40 | 93.783,06 | 84.404 |
| February | 1.000 | 620,50 | 100.421,72 | 90.379 |
| March | 1.000 | 632,50 | 140.389,70 | 126.350 |
| … | … | … | … | … |
| December | 1.000 | 627,50 | 85.591,00 | 77.031 |
| TOTAL | 1.000 | 665,60 | 2.023.411,59 | 1.821.070 |
Cost and Return Calculations
| Months | Return with Local Module Incentive ($) | Return without Local Module ($) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 12.998 | 11.225 |
| February | 13.918 | 12.020 |
| March | 19.458 | 16.804 |
| … | … | … |
| December | 11.862 | 10.245 |
| TOTAL | 280.444 | 242.202 |
