What Is a Solar Power System Investment? How Is It Made?

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What Is a Solar Power System Investment? How Is It Made?

Updated: January 7, 2024

To invest in solar power systems, it is first necessary to ensure that all regulatory requirements and suitable investment conditions are met.
The requirements for licensed and unlicensed projects differ:

  • Under unlicensed generation (LÜY), there must be a consumption link.

  • For licensed investments, this requirement does not apply.

Key Facts About Solar Power Investments

Since the Unlicensed Electricity Generation Regulation (LÜY) came into effect in 2012 — and especially after 2015 — unlicensed solar power investments in Türkiye have grown significantly, now exceeding 10 GWp of installed capacity.

In the early years, the 10-year state purchase guarantee at 13.3 US cents per kWh, combined with an average investment cost of 1,000 USD/kWp and annual income of 150–180 USD/kWp, resulted in a payback period of 5–7 years.

Investors who took out loans in TL often recovered their investment within 3 years,
while those who borrowed in USD typically achieved payback within 7–8 years.

Current Situation as of 2024

Can I Install a Solar Power System on My Land?

This is one of the most common questions from investors.

“I have land and some capital. Can I build a solar power system?”

The answer is both yes and no — depending on your situation.
Unlike before, you can no longer invest just by showing minimal consumption.

Your average monthly consumption must equal at least half of your total annual generation.

The generation and consumption sites do not have to be at the same location.
For example, you can consume electricity in İzmir and produce it in Silifke.

Investment Condition:

You must consume at least 50% of the energy you produce.

Example:
If your factory consumes 1,600,000 kWh per year and each 1 kWp of solar capacity produces 1,600 kWh/year,
you would need a 1 MWp system to meet your annual demand.
You are also allowed to build an additional capacity of the same size for grid sales —
thus a 2 MWp total system.

For industrial facilities, the contracted power must be at least 1 MVA.

Summary — Requirements for Unlicensed Solar Power on Land:

  • There must be a consumption point.

  • The system can produce up to 2× the annual consumption.

  • The contracted power of the consumer must match the system size.

    • For residential/commercial tariffs → 1:1 ratio

    • For industrial tariffs → 1:2 ratio

  • The grid in the area must have sufficient connection capacity.

  • The land must be approved by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization and the Ministry of Agriculture.

These apply to unlicensed projects.
If the investment is standalone (not consumption-based), it must be licensed.

For licensed projects, investors can participate in YEKA tenders or apply for licensed projects with energy storage.

In organized industrial zones (OSBs), systems can be built on site-owned land for internal needs.
For municipalities or public institutions, land allocation is allowed.
Private companies, however, can only install rooftop or façade systems.

Can I Sell Electricity from My Rooftop Solar System?

Yes.
If your roof is suitable, you can install a solar system up to your contracted power and sell excess electricity to the grid.
However, the amount sold cannot exceed the amount consumed — any extra energy is provided free of charge to the grid.

Rooftop Solar Installation Basics

Rooftop systems are where generation and consumption occur at the same site.
Their biggest advantage is instant self-consumption, which minimizes grid interaction and transmission costs, leading to faster payback.

  • Lower transformer losses

  • The system can be sized to 2× the annual consumption (excess energy is contributed free of charge)

  • On average, 1 kWp requires about 6 m² of roof area

  • Transformer capacity must be at least equal to the system capacity

  • Contracted power must match system size (at least half for industrial users)

  • The roof structure must be mechanically strong and fire-safe

  • Proper engineering and material selection are critical for safety and durability

At What Price Can I Sell Excess Electricity?

According to EPDK tariff tables (Table-2), you sell electricity at the same unit price you buy it — excluding taxes and transmission fees.

Example:
If the industrial tariff is 0.63 TL/kWh and the transmission cost is 0.26 TL/kWh,
you can sell your electricity back at 0.63 TL/kWh + VAT,
while paying half of the transmission fee for the exported energy.

In short:
You sell at the net unit price (excluding taxes and transmission), not at your total retail rate.

Are There Grants or Incentives for Solar Installations?

Yes — for some sectors.
In general, Solar Power System investors can apply for an Investment Incentive Certificate,
and agriculture and rural projects may receive grants up to 65%.

The type, location, and timing of the investment determine eligibility.
Orbit Enerji provides professional guidance to help you identify the best option.

What Are Single-Term and Dual-Term Tariffs?

When signing grid agreements, customers can choose between single-term and dual-term tariffs.

  • Single-Term Tariff:

    • Contracted power = up to 60% of transformer capacity

    • No fixed monthly charge

  • Dual-Term Tariff:

    • Contracted power = up to 100% of transformer capacity

    • A fixed monthly fee is charged based on contracted power

Example (as of July 2021):
For an industrial tariff with a 3.89 TL/kVA multiplier,
a 1,000 kVA transformer with 800 kVA contracted power
would have a monthly fixed cost of ≈ 3,112 TL.

However, in dual-term tariffs, transmission costs decrease slightly,
benefiting high-consumption users.
(Values may change — check the EPDK official tariff tables for updated rates.)

What Is the Lifetime of a Solar Power System?

  • Solar panels: 25–30 years performance warranty

  • Inverters: at least 5 years warranty

  • Orbit Enerji installation: 2+1 years workmanship warranty (extendable with maintenance insurance)

A well-designed and properly installed system rarely fails —
issues generally arise only from grid disturbances or natural disasters.

For a long-lasting system, the project must be handled by a qualified EPC company with trained technicians.

For more information or detailed project consultation,
Orbit Enerji is always ready to assist you through our contact channels.

 

 

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