Examination of depreciation and energy analysis of 200 kW PV solar power system using retscreen program

Although the production of electrical energy from the sun's rays was initially used in spacecraft operating in outer space, today, due to the advancement of production technologies, the negative effects of fossil fuels, and the depletion of reserves, solar electricity production is included even in homes. Solar power plants, which have become economically attractive with government incentives as well as environmentally friendly, are increasing their share in the electric power sector every day. As a result of the developments in photovoltaic panel technologies, the efficiency of panels today exceeds 20% and their efficient service life exceeds 25 years. These positive factors make solar energy systems more attractive every day. Especially for regions with long periods of sunbathing and above-average solar radiation, solar power plants have become profitable investments. Assuming that a solar power plant was installed on the roof of a shopping mall that is considered to be located in Iskenderun, depreciation and energy analyses were performed using the Retscreen program. By examining the carbon footprint and feasibility data obtained, the investment was examined environmentally and economically. In this thesis study, it was calculated that a 200 kW capacity solar power plant installed in an area exposed to an average of 4.73 kWh/m2 of solar radiation per day generates 263 MWh of electricity annually; thanks to this 263 MWh of energy, an income of 31 536 USD can be provided. When the investment was examined from an environmental point of view, it was observed that 282 tCO2 emissions equivalent to the use of 112.2 tons of fuel oil could be prevented, and when examined from an economic point of view, the payback period (PBP) of the investment was calculated as 6.4 years. Key Words: Solar Energy, Retscreen, Depreciation and Energy Analysis