Turkiye’s Vast Rooftop Solar Potential Could Cover 45% of Power Demand

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 10, 2026

A recent report estimates that rooftop solar PV installations in Türkiye could generate up to 120 GW, covering about 45% of the country's electricity needs and enhancing energy security. To realize this potential, Türkiye is implementing regulatory reforms to streamline approval processes and mandate rooftop solar on new buildings, aiming to boost renewable capacity and energy resilience by 2035.

Rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in Türkiye have the potential to generate around 120 gigawatts (GW) of power, which could meet approximately 45% of the nation's electricity demand, according to a recent report. The findings underline the significant role that rooftop solar energy could play in diversifying Türkiye’s energy sources and enhancing energy security.

The report, based on the “Türkiye Energy Policy Review” by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and highlighted by Anadolu Agency, emphasizes that widespread adoption of rooftop solar panels could decentralize electricity generation. This shift may reduce reliance on centralized power systems, lower energy costs for consumers, and reduce the need for subsidies on energy generation.

Türkiye’s three largest cities—İstanbul, Ankara, and İzmir—are identified as having the highest rooftop solar potential due to their population density and urban structure. The deployment of rooftop solar is not only framed as a means to increase renewable energy capacity but also as a strategy to strengthen the resilience of the country’s power supply. The report points out that distributed solar installations could provide critical backup capacity during interruptions caused by natural disasters such as earthquakes.

Despite the benefits, the expansion of rooftop solar faces regulatory and administrative challenges. Türkiye’s net metering system, introduced in 2019, allows residential solar users to sell surplus electricity back to the grid at retail rates, promoting wider adoption. However, the current approval process for solar installations remains lengthy and complex, involving multiple authorities and taking up to 27 weeks to complete.

To accelerate deployment, Türkiye has been implementing reforms aimed at streamlining the permitting process. Legal amendments enacted in July 2025 reduced the approval time for wind and solar power plants from roughly 48 months to 18 months. Further reforms are expected to include simplifying application procedures and mandating rooftop solar systems on new and public buildings. These measures are intended to help Türkiye meet its 2035 renewable energy capacity targets and enhance energy self-sufficiency.

Solar PV technology has particularly benefited from Türkiye’s unlicensed electricity generation regime, which encourages small-scale generation primarily in residential and agricultural sectors. By the end of 2025, solar PV represented 97% of the approximately 23 GW of unlicensed generation capacity in the country.

The report also highlights the importance of improving distributed energy infrastructure to support this growth, including the incorporation of smart meters to enable more efficient management of decentralized renewable energy resources. These developments are seen as vital steps toward expanding Türkiye’s renewable energy share and creating a more sustainable and resilient energy system.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.