Solar cities as a model in usage of renewable energy sources: Manisa sample

Energy has had an important value for humanity throughout history. The need for energy resources to meet the basic needs of people is an undeniable fact. There are many sources of energy on the surface that are suitable for people. It is possible to obtain a different kind of energy by taking advantage of any of these energy sources. Energy sources are divided into two according to their use, whether converted to different species on earth. Energy sources such as coal, natural gas and wind, called primary energy sources, can be used directly as they exist. However, in order to use secondary energy sources such as electricity and LPG, a transformation must be carried out. For example, electrical energy can be generated by the power of heat obtained by burning coal, one of the primary sources. In this way, as electricity is obtained from coal, electricity is classified as secondary energy source. Another classification for energy sources is based on the repeated use of the energy source. If the energy source can be used repeatedly, there is no restriction on its service life, so this kind of energy sources are called renewable energy sources. Sources such as wind, solar and geothermal energy are included in the renewable energy class. On the other hand, the use of fossil-based energy sources, which has a limited duration of use, is generally called non-renewable or consumable energy sources. Sources such as coal, natural gas and oil are consumable energy sources. Due to the greenhouse gases emitted by the non-renewable energy sources to the nature and the limited life span, interest in renewable energy sources has recently increased. The total installed capacity of the plants, which are depending on renewable energy sources, especially solar and wind energy, is increasing rapidly every year. Investments in solar energy, which is one of the renewable energy sources, are widely seen both in the world and in our country. It is possible to benefit from solar energy both in terms of heat and electricity production. The heat of solar energy is used especially in the heating of water used in houses and in greenhouses. Thanks to the photovoltaic systems to be installed, electricity is obtained from the energy of the sun. The transformation in energy systems is possible with the increase in the use of renewable energy sources. Solar energy is one of the renewable energy sources. One of the ways to achieve the transformation in energy systems can be the more widespread use of solar energy and the transformation of more cities into solar cities. Solar cities can be defined as a new planning and management model for dynamic cities and urban communities, with renewable energy use at the forefront, targets and designs reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The solar city model applied in many different countries around the world also helps to reduce the risks posed by climate change. In the solar city model, there are some criteria applied according to the targets. Although the target criteria are different from country to country, the criteria evaluated to achieve the goals are similar. Utilization of renewable energy sources, reduction of carbon dioxide emissions to certain levels or to zero, thermal and electrical utilization of sunlight, sustainability in transportation, whether or not energy efficiency in buildings are the main criteria for creating solar city. In order to apply the solar model, different components must come together. Stakeholders, policy, planning, technology and financing are the main components of the solar city model. The concept of the stakeholders in the model includes a combination of many different structures such as local governments, universities, public, non-governmental organizations, public institutions and organizations. The policy covers the objectives, laws and regulations laid down by the local government and governments to create the solar city model. Local governments are preparing strategic plans to put the city policies in the sun. The technologies introduced for the inclusion of renewable energy sources in the solar city model and the development of these resources form a component of the model. One of the important components in the emergence of the model is financing. Financing is provided by the public and / or private sectors through grants, incentives and investments. The main point of investments made in the field of renewable energies in our country are the laws and regulations. In this way, the number and installed capacity of power plants that producing electricity from solar energy is increasing day by day. One of the factors in this increase is incentives and the grant systems in Turkey. Investments in the field of renewable energies in our country have provided a ten-year energy purchase guarantee. In this way, investors are making money by selling the electricity they produce to the grid. In addition, additional incentives are provided if the elements used in power plants are domestic products. On the other hand, some ministries and development agencies in our country also provide various grants to individuals and organizations who want to invest in renewable energies. Manisa is in the third category of investment incentives in Turkey. Compared to the surrounding cities, investment offers more opportunities for investors in terms of attracting potential and support. When it is examined in terms of energy sources, it is seen that the potential of different renewable energy sources is high. Manisa province is examined in terms of natural resources and is located on fertile agricultural lands. In addition, the industry is developing depending on the years. Considering these situations, it is foreseen that the population will increase in Manisa, the energy demand will increase and the air, water and soil pollution will increase depending on the population, industry and even agriculture. In this study, solar city application potential in Manisa has been evaluated due to current situation in Manisa, applied strategies and developments in energy field. In this context, solar city criteria and solar city components were investigated in Manisa. A new solar city model was created for Manisa based on the solar city models applied in the world. In order to support the solar city model, three different structures were chosen according to their densities and the amount of electricity produced from solar energy was measured. Thanks to the results of these measurements, the contribution of solar energy to electricity consumption in the building island was examined. The results of this study showed that by the solar energy systems to be installed on the roofs, the whole electrical energy demand of the less dense areas and a large part of the electrical energy demand of medium and high density areas can be met. On the other hand, survey studies were conducted regarding the model. The information and attentions of the public and local government employees were measured in the surveys conducted with both the local goverment's technical teams and the public. The results of the survey are that the public is keen on creating the sun city; however, they do not have sufficient information about the incentives, laws and regulations.