Barriers in front of solar energy plants in Turkey and investment analysis of solution scenarios-case study on a 10 MW system

Abstract

The importance of the solar energy usage as a clean source of energy in Turkey is discussed, and combined small capital usage along with State support is analyzed within various scenarios in order to make the sector attractive for investors in every level. Recently, formulated legislations have set up the stage for the solar energy stations in Turkey. Although the price per kWh for which the State guarantees to buy the electricity for is at an acceptable level for small capital owners, high initial investment requirement constitutes a disadvantage because investments at the level of mega watts require millions of dollars. Solar energy investments are not necessarily attractive for local and foreign investors with large capitals. The main reason is the return of investment period being between 8 and 14 yrs. Life of the overall system depending on the structure of the solar panels being 20–24 yrs and even an average of 10 yrs for inverter is an another drawback. The resulting picture shows that the utilization of solar energy in Turkey might end up being less than expected. Various scenarios are produced and analysis is conducted to solve the aforementioned problems. At the first level of the produced solution, turning the small capitals with lower profit mindsets into larger capitals; at the second level, scenarios of State supports and their analysis for investors at any level; and at the third level, the effect of doubling the life of the established system by renewing itself on the scenarios is studied. While developing the scenarios, the profit rate determined for the investors is kept constant while changing the remaining parameters. The issues of how the State supports obtained for the solution be repaid in the long run and other gains for the State are also discussed. In order for the results of the research to be usable, the technical infrastructure of a 10 MW solar energy system and cost analysis are added into this research. The costs of the solar parks selected worldwide are considered in the cost analysis in generalizing the findings. Although the research discusses the setting up solar energy systems and management in Turkey, it is known that similar problems exist in many other places worldwide.