1. How does a solar power plant work?
A solar power plant is an environmentally friendly and renewable energy solution that converts solar energy into electricity. The direct current (DC) produced by the solar panels is converted into alternating current (AC) through inverters, making it usable in your home or workplace. The final system architecture (selection of panels, inverters, and batteries) and grid connection conditions will be determined based on the technical criteria of the distribution company and the results of the project assessment.
2. What are the benefits of a solar power plant?
- Reduces energy costs, providing savings.
- Contributes to grid independence.
- Increases the property value of your home or workplace.
- Reduces your carbon footprint.
3. What is the lifespan of a solar power plant?
The average lifespan is 25–30 years. The panels come with a 10–12 year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty. Regular maintenance and repairs can extend the lifespan. The scope, duration, and exceptions of the warranty will be detailed in the contract to be signed between the parties; improper use or lack of maintenance is not covered under the warranty.
4. What are Energy Storage Systems?
They are various technologies that store electrical energy and allow it to be used again when needed. When used together with Solar Energy Systems, they significantly contribute to grid independence. The battery system used in Energy Storage Systems ensures power continuity, and the stored energy can be utilized when required, depending on the system's capacity.
5. What is the lifespan of Energy Storage Systems?
The average lifespan is 15–20 years. Regular maintenance and repairs can extend their lifespan.
6. How long does it take for my solar power plant investment to pay off?
From the moment a solar power plant is installed, it starts covering all or part of your energy consumption. Your investment typically pays off within 5–8 years, depending on regional sunlight availability and your electricity consumption. This period may vary based on factors such as regional sunlight hours, system efficiency, electricity prices, and consumption habits.
7. Does the efficiency of a Solar Power Plant vary throughout the year?
Yes, it can vary. Production values may change from month to month depending on sunlight hours and weather conditions. Higher production is generally achieved during the summer months. Production forecasts are based on simulations and assumptions and are subject to technical variables such as shading, soiling, temperature, and inverter/panel tolerances.
8. Can I meet all my electricity needs with a solar power plant?
If you have sufficient roof space and the installation can be aligned with your contracted capacity, you can meet all your electricity needs. The installable capacity depends on factors such as the roof’s usable area, structural/incline/covering conditions, contracted capacity, and approvals from the distribution company.
9. How will my electricity bill be affected after installing a solar power plant?
Your electricity bill will vary depending on the electricity production of your solar power plant and your household’s or business’s consumption. When your consumption is covered by solar energy, the amount reflected on your electricity bill decreases. If the energy produced by the solar power plant exceeds your needs, monthly net metering with the grid may be possible. Net metering methods and periods are subject to relevant regulations and tariff arrangements; changes in regulations may affect the application.
10. Will I be affected by power outages if I have a solar power plant?
If an energy storage unit is also integrated into the system as auxiliary equipment, you will be less affected by grid-related power outages. During outages, the ability to supply energy depends on the technical specifications, capacity of the installed storage unit, and operation modes in compliance with regulations. If only a solar power plant is installed, you will be affected by grid-related power outages.
11. What do On-Grid and Off-Grid mean?
Solar energy systems are basically divided into two types:
In On-Grid systems, the solar power plant installed on your roof operates connected to the electricity distribution grid. The electricity produced primarily covers your own consumption, and any excess production is fed into the grid. This allows for net metering with the distribution company; in other words, the excess electricity you supply can later be balanced with the electricity you draw from the grid. Net metering and selling excess production to the grid are subject to the approval of the relevant distribution company and applicable regulations.
In Off-Grid systems, the solar power plant is completely independent and not connected to the grid. In this model, the electricity produced can be used directly or stored in battery systems for later use as needed. It is especially preferred in areas without access to the electricity grid or in buildings requiring uninterrupted power. However, there is no net metering; any excess energy produced is only stored.
In summary: An On-Grid system is grid-connected with the possibility of net metering for excess production, whereas an Off-Grid system is independent of the grid, battery-powered, and without net metering.
12. What is Contracted Capacity? Where can I find this information?
It is the maximum energy consumption capacity determined by a contract signed between the consumer and the electricity distribution company during the electricity subscription process. This information can be found on the electricity bill of your home or business.
Contracted power is the maximum energy capacity agreed upon between the consumer and the electricity distribution company during subscription process.
This power represents the maximum amount of electricity your home or business may require and is expressed in kilowatts (kW).
You can also confirm this information by checking the “Contracted Power” section on your electricity bill or by contacting your assigned electricity supplier.
In the sample image of an electricity bill, the contracted power of the subscriber is shown as 24,000.
13. How many square meters should my roof have for a solar power plant?
One of the most important criteria when installing a solar power plant is how much area on your roof can be utilized. The required roof area varies depending on the system’s capacity and the type of roof.
The table below provides examples of flat and sloped roofs for different solar power plant capacities:
| SPP Capacity Range (kW) | SPP Capacity (kW) | Flat Roof Area (m²) | Sloped Roof Area (m²) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-25 kW | 25 kW | 142 m² | 156 m² |
| 25-50 kW | 50 kW | 283 m² | 312 m² |
| 50-100 kW | 100 kW | 565 m² | 623 m² |
| 100-500 kW | 500 kW | 2824 m² | 3112 m² |
| 500-1000 kW | 1000 kW | 5647 m² | 6223 m² |
These values may vary depending on panel power, panel efficiency, obstacles on your roof, and system layout. Exact calculations are made through a site assessment. Our expert inspection teams provide support for precise measurements.
14. How can I determine if my roof is suitable for a solar power plant?
The suitability of your roof is determined by considering structural conditions such as static analysis, zoning status, and occupancy permits, as well as parameters like obstacles that may cause shading, roof material, and roof slope. Our experts provide site inspection and analysis support to assess your roof’s suitability.
15. What permits do I need to install a solar power plant?
For the installation of a solar power plant, the following processes must be completed with the distribution company: call letter application, technical project approval, TEDAŞ approval, grid connection agreement, and provisional acceptance procedures. Additionally, permits from local authorities are required, including a GES suitability certificate, structural report, “Environmental Impact Assessment not required” certificate, and consent from co-owners for common areas. All these official procedures are managed by our project team, and you are only expected to provide the necessary documents for the applications.
Processes Conducted on Your Behalf by Enerjisa Customer Solutions:
- Call Letter Application: Under the regulation for unlicensed electricity generation, an application is submitted to the relevant electricity distribution company (e.g., Toroslar Electricity Distribution Co.). If the application is approved, a call letter is issued to enable the installation of the system.
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Preparation of Technical Projects:
- Electrical Project: Prepared by a certified engineer.
- Structural Project: The load-bearing capacity of the roof is analyzed, and the suitability of the roof for a solar power plant is documented.
- TEDAŞ Approval: The prepared projects are submitted for approval to TEDAŞ (Turkish Electricity Distribution Company). TEDAŞ verifies compliance with technical criteria.
- Connection Agreement and System Usage Agreement: After TEDAŞ approval, a connection agreement and a system usage agreement are signed with the electricity distribution company.
- Provisional Acceptance Process: Once the system is completed, an on-site inspection is conducted by the relevant distribution company, and the provisional acceptance is carried out.
Documents You Need to Obtain from Local Authorities:
For solar power plant projects installed on roofs, the following documents must be provided by the relevant municipality, building inspection companies, and property management.
- Zoning Compliance Letter / Building Permit: The zoning status and occupancy permit (certificate of use) of the building where the installation will take place must be checked. The “zoning status document” obtained from the municipality or the existing building permit is sufficient for this purpose. Installations cannot be carried out on buildings without a permit.
- Structural Compliance Report: A report prepared by a structural engineer confirming that the roof has the structural integrity to support the solar power plant system. This report must be specific to the existing building and included in the project file.
- “Environmental Impact Assessment Not Required” Letter: For roof-type solar power plant projects under 1 MW, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process is generally not required; however, in some regions, an official “EIA Not Required” certificate may be requested. Confirmation should be obtained from the Provincial Directorate of Environment and Urbanization.
- Unanimous Consent for Installation in Common Areas of Sites/Apartments: If the installation is to be carried out in an apartment building, residential complex, or collective structure, a consent document for the solar power plant installation approved unanimously by the co-owners must be obtained. This can be submitted together with a notarized approval or the board of directors’ decision book.
16. In which areas will Enerjisa Customer Solutions provide support during the permit process?
Enerjisa provides consultancy for all technical processes, including application submission, project preparation, file delivery, TEDAŞ approval, provisional acceptance, and connection agreement.
Customer Responsibility: The customer is responsible for providing the necessary documents and obtaining approvals from building management or property owners. The customer is liable for any delays, additional costs, or administrative penalties resulting from failure to provide the required documents or obtain the necessary permits.
17. What authorizations do I need to have in order to install a solar power plant?
- Residences: Property owner or authorized representative
- Commercial Establishments: Authorized representative of the business
- Residential Complexes / Sites: Written consent must be obtained from all co-owners
18. How is the maintenance process of a solar power plant carried out?
Periodic maintenance is performed on your system by Enerjisa Customer Solutions during the warranty period, and interventions are made if necessary. Solar energy systems generally require low maintenance.
19. Where are My Energy Solutions applied?
Solar Power Plants are installed on the roofs of apartments, villas, commercial establishments, and residential complexes. Heat Pumps and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations are also applied to these buildings and their suitable areas.
20. Are solar power plants installed on the ground?
For our projects under 1 MW, only rooftop solar installations are implemented. Projects over 1 MW are carried out under the “My Business Energy” program.
21. Who can I contact for questions or requests regarding my product, and how?
You can reach us through the Contact Form on our website or via our Call Center at 444 4 371.