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 of countries is increasing because of a fast-growing population and industrialization. The fact that the fossil resources are insufficient to meet the demand if new reserves cannot be found in the near future and the threat to human and environmental health lead the countries to seek renewable clean energy resources. Turkey, which is dependent on foreign energy due to being poor in terms of fossil fuels as a country, has high solar energy potential but cannot utilize this potential 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-structured interview was used as qualitative data collection technique. The experts to be interviewed were selected from people with at least five years of academic or sector experience in solar energy. As a result of the research, it was reached by all experts interviewed that Turkey need to increase the benefit from solar energy for Turkey's social and economic development and there are various obstacles in front of utilizing this benefit. However, i t i s s een t hat e xpert opinions vary in terms of solutions.