Economic contribution of domestic technology utilisation in solar power plants in Turkey

Renewable energy sources form the foundation of a sustainable energy future with their eco-friendly characteristics and contributions to energy security. These resources offer an effective solution for combating climate change and can drive lasting transformations in the energy sector by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Giving more prominence to renewable energy in energy policies enhances energy independence while also mitigating negative environmental impacts. Solar power plants (GES) hold a significant position in Turkey's renewable energy potential. However, compared to imported energy sources, further progress is needed in solar energy production. While domestic solar panel production has advanced, dependency on imported raw materials such as photovoltaic cells and silicon persists. Incentives for domestic cell production represent an important step for the industry but have also narrowed the competitive environment, increasing costs and extending project timelines. Furthermore, with panel costs accounting for 45-50% of total investment, these incentives have a direct impact on investors. For Turkey to fully utilize its solar energy potential, it is essential to accelerate infrastructure investments, enhance domestic production capacity, and establish a more competitive market structure. The use of domestic equipment in GES projects is a critical step to reduce energy costs, conserve foreign currency, and boost the local technology development capacity within the industry. Strengthening domestic production, especially in solar panels, inverters, and energy storage systems, is strategically important for reducing trade deficits and ensuring energy supply security. This study examines Turkey's solar energy potential and the challenges faced in this sector, providing strategic recommendations to increase the use of domestic equipment. The growth of the sector through unlicensed plants and the support for domestic production capacity aim to enhance energy independence.