The importance of solar energy as a renewable energy source and its future perspective in Turkiye

The growing global demand for energy and the environmental problems caused by fossil fuels have significantly increased interest in sustainable energy sources in recent years. Especially in the face of critical issues such as climate change, carbon emissions, and energy security, renewable energy sources have become an essential component of national and international energy policies. Among these sources, solar energy stands out as an environmentally friendly, inexhaustible, economically viable, and technologically accessible option, offering great potential for both developed and developing countries. Solar energy is obtained through photovoltaic systems that convert sunlight directly into electricity. These systems are flexible in installation and can be implemented across various geographic locations. Advances in technology have enhanced the efficiency of solar energy systems while simultaneously reducing their costs. This progress has accelerated the widespread adoption of solar energy and positioned it as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative for energy production. Turkey is among the countries with high solar energy potential due to its advantageous geographical location and climatic conditions. Particularly in the southern and southeastern regions, high solar irradiation levels and long sunshine durations offer ideal conditions for the effective utilization of solar energy. Since the early 2010s, Turkey has made significant progress in the field of solar energy, supported by governmental incentives, regulatory reforms, and notably the Renewable Energy Resources Support Mechanism (YEKDEM), which came into force in 2015. This thesis examines the importance of solar energy as a renewable energy source, evaluates Turkey's solar energy potential, and analyzes the current applications and future development perspectives in this field. The study highlights the role of solar energy in strengthening Turkey's energy supply security, reducing external dependency, supporting economic development, and contributing to environmental sustainability. In addition, key challenges in the sector—particularly related to financing, technology, and infrastructure—are analyzed, and various solution proposals are presented. In conclusion, solar energy is not only an alternative energy source for Turkey but also one of the main pillars of sustainable development. This thesis aims to provide a comprehensive perspective on the future role of solar energy in Turkey's energy strategies and policies.