Solar Energy

1. SOLAR ENERGY POTENTIAL

Turkey is located in a relatively advantageous geographical position. The solar energy potential evaluations made by EIE, based on the data measured by the State Meteorological Services during 1966-1982 revealed :

* The annual average total insolation duration as 2640 hours (7,2 hours/day)

* Average annual solar radiation as 1311 kWh/m2-year (3,6 kWh/m2-day)

Monthly solar energy potential of Turkey is given in Table 1. Solar energy potential according to the geographical regions is given in Table 2.

However it has been recognized that the existing meteorological data is lower than the actual solar energy data of Turkey. EIE and DMI have been taking new measurements since 1992 to determine the more accurate solar energy data. Although the measurements have not been completed yet, the collected data indicates that the actual solar energy radiation values are 20-25% higher than the existing data.

A model was developed with the data from the 8 measurement stations of EIE and with the data from the DMI measurement stations. Accordingly, the solar radiation and insolation values are calculated for 57 cities of Turkey. The study is published as a report.

2. SOLAR ENERGY UTILIZATION

Solar Flat Plate Collectors

Main solar energy utilization in Turkey is the flat plate collectors in the domestic hot water systems. Turkey is one of the leading countries in the world with a total installed capacity of 8,2 million m2 collector area as of 2001. The systems are mostly used in Aegean and Mediterranean regions. Total energy production equals to 290 000 TOE (ton oil equivalent).

The industry is well developed with high quality manufacturing and export capacity. The number of companies is around 100. Annual manufacturing capacity is 750 000 m2.

Photovoltaic Systems

Utilization of photovoltaic systems is limited with the usage of some governmental organizations in remote service areas such as telecom stations, forest fire observation towers and highway emergency. Total installed peak power is estimated as 300 kWp.

INSTITUTES

EIE is the responsible organization from the development and utilization of solar energy in Turkey.

Regarding the solar energy research, in addition to EIE, TUBITAK Marmara Research Center and some universities (Ege University Solar Energy Institute, Mugla University, METU, Kocaeli University, F?rat University) carry on research projects.

On the solar radiation data; State Meteorological Service (DMI) collects solar data. EIE also has been separately collecting data since 1991.

Related standards: Standards on solar energy system were prepared by Turkish Standard Institute. Currently there are two standards:

* TS 3680 Solar Energy Collectors- Flat Plate

* TS 3817 Rules for the Manufacturation, Installation and Operation of Solar Water Heaters

EIE contributed to the preparation of standards. Thermal performance tests of the certificate procedure are also performed by EIE.