The evaluation of factors in utilizing the potential of solar energy: the case of Turkey

Abstract

The importance of energy which has a significant ro le in so cio-economic development ofcountries is increasing because of a fast-growing population and industrialization. The factthat the fossil resources are insufficient to meet the demand if new reserves cannot be found inthe near future and the threat to human and environmental health lead the countries to seekrenewable clean energy resources. Turkey, which is dependent on foreign energy due to beingpoor in terms of fossil fuels as a country, has high solar energy potential but cannot utilize thispotential fully. In this paper, the importance and potential of solar energy in Turkey, the problems encountered in utilizing solar energy have been studied. In this study, semi-structuredinterview was used as qualitative data collection technique. The experts to be interviewedwere selected from people with at least five years of academic or sector experience in solarenergy. As a result of the research, it was reached by all experts interviewed that Turkey needto increase the benefit from solar energy for Turkey’s social and economic development andthere are various obstacles in front of utilizing this benefit. However, it is s een t hat e xpertopinions vary in terms of solutions.