Global think tank Ember has published an analysis of Türkiye’s rooftop solar energy potential. The report, which calculates the solar energy potential that can be installed on rooftops by analyzing high-resolution satellite images, shows the capacity and electricity generation potential calculated by provinces and the extent to which electricity consumption can be met.
It also draws attention to the policies on rooftop solar energy in the world and the subsidies in electricity tariffs in Türkiye and offers policy recommendations suitable for Türkiye.
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More than 120 GW potential on rooftops
- Türkiye’s rooftop solar potential points to a capacity of at least 120 GW.
- Rooftop solar potential could meet 45% of Türkiye’s total electricity consumption.• The potential for rooftop electricity generation could meet 113% of billed electricity consumption in Konya, 88% in Ankara, and 76% in Izmir.
- Rooftop solar panels could save Türkiye $3.6 billion in financial incentives for residential electricity tariffs.
- In 2022, half of the world’s solar power plants were installed on rooftops.
Although Türkiye has a higher solar energy potential than most European countries, it lags behind countries with comparatively lower potential and surface area in the share of solar energy in electricity generation. However, rooftop solar power plants are emerging as a clean energy alternative for both residences and public institutions in Türkiye. In Ember’s new study, Türkiye’s rooftop SPP technical potential was calculated by analyzing high-resolution satellite images of 70 provinces, excluding the 11 provinces declared disaster zones after the earthquake, and roofs were classified according to their suitability for panel installation. The study considered the production potential of each rooftop with optimal angles at its location and the correction factors applied according to the roof type.
While the rooftop solar energy potential indicates a capacity of at least 120 GW, the annual rooftop SPP electricity generation potential is 148 TWh, equivalent to 45% of Türkiye’s total electricity consumption in 2022. This shows that rooftops will play an essential role in reaching capacity targets in solar energy. The lack of land requirements, production at the same point as consumption, and an electricity generation method that everyone can participate in make rooftop SPPs even more attractive. Rooftop SPPs will also save 3.6 billion dollars in financial incentives for residential electricity tariffs and play a critical role in fiscal policies. It is even more essential to develop appropriate guidelines for rooftops to participate in the energy transition and economic development actively.
