As is known, unlicensed solar power plant (SPP) installations were previously limited to roof and façade applications.
This restriction created an obstacle, especially for agricultural users who rely on the grid for irrigation energy needs, preventing them from installing grid-connected solar power plants.
Farmers with high-powered irrigation pumps often face high energy consumption and electricity costs during the 5–6 months of irrigation season each year.
When installing an off-grid or solar pumping system for cost savings, irrigation can only be performed when the sun is shining, meaning energy is available only during the day.
For night irrigation, farmers must still rely on the electric grid, and in some areas, daytime irrigation is even discouraged—rendering the solar system inactive.
However, for an investment to pay back quickly, it is highly advantageous — both for the country and the investor — if the solar plant continues to feed energy into the grid when irrigation is not in use.
We want the solar system to keep producing energy year-round, even during winter months when it would otherwise sit idle.
With the regulatory update published on May 9, 2021, this is now possible under specific conditions.
Article 11/2
Public institutions, wastewater and drinking water treatment plants, and agricultural irrigation facilities may establish renewable energy–based generation plants on contiguous parcels of land, connected at the same measurement point as the consumption facility, provided that the installed capacity does not exceed the contracted capacity in the connection agreement.
Article 11/4
If other relevant regulations permit, a portion of agricultural land may be used to install a generation facility for irrigation purposes under this regulation.
However, the installed capacity of such a plant cannot exceed the contracted power in the irrigation facility’s connection agreement.
For these applications, an approval document from the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) is required.
Applications under this clause are evaluated according to Article 5(1)(ç) of the regulation.
You can now install a grid-connected solar power plant (SPP) on part of your agricultural land, up to the contracted capacity stated in your grid connection agreement.
You can also offset your energy consumption (net metering) under Article 5.1.c, and even sell excess energy back to the grid.
You may plan your investment based on your annual energy consumption feasibility.
It is now possible to cover 100% of your agricultural energy demand through solar power.
Solar investments for agricultural irrigation are now more economical and have a shorter payback period.
Energy has many alternatives — but land has almost none.
Please, if you have alternatives, avoid using fertile agricultural land for energy projects.
If it is unavoidable, choose idle or non-productive areas.
Let’s protect our soil, our future, and our food security.