Claude Sonnet 4
ABSTRACT
This study examines four different models that evaluate Turkey’s solar energy potential in urban and rural areas, analyzing the feasibility of each through technical, economic, and legal dimensions. The Urban Solar Energy System (USES), energy harvesting from transportation networks, solar panel applications in public spaces, and agrivoltaic (hybrid fields) systems are addressed; the advantages, challenges, and implementation priorities of each model are discussed in detail.
1. INTRODUCTION
Turkey, due to its geographic location, has an annual average of 2,640 hours of sunshine and a solar energy potential of 1,311 kWh per square meter. However, innovative approaches are needed for the effective utilization of this potential. Beyond traditional solar power plants, models that integrate urban areas, transportation infrastructure, and agricultural lands can increase Turkey’s energy independence.
This article examines four innovative solar energy models proposed by Aydın Tiryaki, evaluating the feasibility of each under Turkish conditions.
2. URBAN SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM (USES)
2.1. Model Definition
The Urban Solar Energy System is a revolutionary approach that defines sunlight as a ‘public resource’ like radio frequencies and transforms idle rooftop and facade areas in cities into professional power plants. The model defines solar energy as a ‘public resource’ and envisions licensed companies producing energy in these areas through city-based public band auctions.
Key Features:
- Active-Passive Twin Panels: Hybrid systems that provide both energy production and building insulation
- Blockchain-Based Transparency: Transparent recording system for energy distribution to residents
- Public Band Auctions: Competitive environment among licensed companies
- Ankara Potential: With 95 million m² of rooftop area, all residential electricity needs can be met
2.2. Feasibility Analysis
Implementation Probability: MEDIUM-HIGH
| ADVANTAGES | CHALLENGES |
| • Uses existing rooftop areas, requires no new land • Provides direct bill reduction to apartment residents • Creates additional value in building insulation • Can be integrated with urban transformation projects | • Requires complex legal regulation • Coordination difficulty with apartment managements • Standardization of Active-Passive Twin Panel technology • Establishment of blockchain infrastructure |
Implementation Recommendation:
The pilot implementation of the USES model should first be initiated in new urban transformation projects. A regulatory framework should be established through cooperation between the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, and a 5-year pilot program should be implemented in 2-3 major cities in the first stage.
3. HARVESTING SOLAR ENERGY FROM TRANSPORTATION NETWORKS
3.1. Model Definition
This model aims to transform Turkey’s 30,000-kilometer divided highway network, viaducts, and embankments into a massive solar energy corridor. Without touching any agricultural land, using only existing idle areas, annual electricity generation of 25-28 TWh is projected; this amount is approximately 3 times the output of the Atatürk Dam.
Key Features:
- Highway Panel Systems: Panel placement in median strips and sides of divided roads
- Viaduct Integration: Transformation of bridge and viaduct undersides into energy production areas
- EV Charging Corridors: Direct use of generated energy at electric vehicle charging stations
- New Tender Standard: Tendering of highway projects together with solar energy infrastructure
3.2. Feasibility Analysis
Implementation Probability: MEDIUM
| ADVANTAGES | CHALLENGES |
| • 30,000 km road network offers great potential • Does not use agricultural land • Creates synergy with EV charging infrastructure • Potential to reduce energy imports | • Requires very large-scale investment • Technical/safety issues in placing panels on highways • High maintenance costs • Comprehensive regulatory changes in tender system |
Implementation Recommendation:
A phased approach is recommended for this model. Initially, a pilot application should be started on 500 km of newly constructed highway, EV charging stations should be integrated, and 3 years of performance data should be collected. If successful, it can be expanded as part of the modernization of existing highways.
4. SOLAR HARVESTING IN PUBLIC SPACES
4.1. Model Definition
Based on transforming bus stops, metro transfer centers, marketplaces, and pedestrian overpasses in cities into solar energy production centers, this model aims to minimize municipalities’ energy costs and transform cities into ‘on-site production’ ecosystems.
Key Features:
- Solar-Powered Bus Stops: Mass production with standard designs
- Marketplace Roofs: Covering large open areas with panels
- Overpass Integration: Combining aesthetic and energy functions
- Municipal Energy Savings: Cost reduction in public lighting and services
4.2. Feasibility Analysis
Implementation Probability: HIGH
| ADVANTAGES | CHALLENGES |
| • Most feasible model • Can start with small-scale pilot projects • Direct contribution to municipal budgets • Urban aesthetics and modernization perception | • Coordination needed for standard designs • Initial investment cost may burden municipalities • Structural reinforcement for marketplaces • Maintenance and repair responsibility |
Implementation Recommendation:
Solar harvesting in public spaces is the most suitable model for quick results. It should start with 100 bus stops in metropolitan municipalities, increase to 500 stops in the first year, and successful pilot implementations should be presented as guides to all municipalities. The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change should determine standard stop designs and proceed to mass production.
5. HYBRID FIELDS: AGRIVOLTAIC SYSTEMS
5.1. Model Definition
Agrivoltaic systems are an approach that combines solar panels with agricultural production on the same land. Panels protect plants from excessive heat, while plants cool the panels, increasing energy efficiency. The generated electricity is used directly in agricultural activities (irrigation, electric tractors), creating self-sufficient farm models.
Key Features:
- Dual Income Model: Both agricultural product and energy sales
- Smart Shading: Protection of plants from excessive heat and external factors
- Energy Autonomy: On-site meeting of irrigation and agricultural equipment needs
- Water Conservation: Reduction of evaporation through panel shade
5.2. Feasibility Analysis
Implementation Probability: HIGH
| ADVANTAGES | CHALLENGES |
| • Successful examples worldwide • Provides dual income source to farmers • Protects plants from climate stress • Meets agricultural energy needs | • Farmers need to be convinced • Panel placement requires careful planning • Not suitable for every crop • Panel height must accommodate farm machinery |
Implementation Recommendation:
Pilot implementation of agrivoltaic systems should be initiated at 5-10 model farms with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It should be tested especially in greenhouse farming and vineyard-orchard areas, technical and financial support should be provided to farmers. The first 2 years of yield results should be shared with the public to ensure dissemination.
6. COMPARATIVE EVALUATION
The feasibility ranking and priority evaluation of the four models is as follows:
| MODEL | PROBABILITY | PRIORITY | TIMEFRAME |
| Public Spaces | HIGH | 1st Priority | 1-2 years |
| Hybrid Fields | HIGH | 2nd Priority | 2-3 years |
| USES | MEDIUM-HIGH | 3rd Priority | 3-5 years |
| Transportation Networks | MEDIUM | 4th Priority | 5-10 years |
7. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Among the four models evaluating Turkey’s solar energy potential, those with the highest feasibility are solar harvesting in public spaces and agrivoltaic (hybrid fields) systems. Both models can be initiated with small-scale pilot implementations, require low bureaucracy, and concrete results can be seen quickly.
The Urban Solar Energy System (USES) has great potential in the medium term, but requires comprehensive legal regulations and standardization of new technologies. Energy harvesting from transportation networks, despite having the greatest energy production potential, should be evaluated as a long-term strategy due to high investment costs and technical challenges.
7.1. Action Plan Recommendations
Short Term (1-2 years):
- Pilot implementation with 100 solar-powered bus stops
- Establishment of 5-10 model agrivoltaic farms
- Collection of energy savings data in municipalities
Medium Term (3-5 years):
- Legal regulation for USES and pilot city implementation
- Expansion of solar-powered public spaces in all metropolitan cities
- Expansion of agrivoltaic systems to 100 farms
Long Term (5-10 years):
- Solar energy integration in new highway projects
- Panel installation in modernization of existing highways
- Integration of USES into all urban transformation projects
7.2. Institutional Coordination
For the successful implementation of these models, coordinated work between the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure, and municipalities is required. Additionally, the creation of financing mechanisms to encourage private sector investments is critically important.
7.3. Final Remarks
By systematically implementing these four innovative models, Turkey can both diversify its energy production and significantly reduce its carbon footprint. Most importantly, through the efficient use of idle areas, solar energy capacity can be increased without the need for new land. A strategy that starts with pilot implementations and gradually expands can position Turkey as a regional leader in sustainable energy production.
REFERENCES
Tiryaki, A. (2026). Urban Solar Energy System (USES). https://aydintiryaki.org/2026/02/16/kentsel-gunes-enerjisi-sistemi-kges-urban-solar-energy-system-uses/
Tiryaki, A. (2026). Harvesting Solar Energy from Transportation Networks. https://aydintiryaki.org/2026/02/16/ulasim-aglarindan-gunes-enerjisi-hasadi-harvesting-solar-energy-from-transportation-networks/
Tiryaki, A. (2026). Solar Harvesting in Public Spaces. https://aydintiryaki.org/2026/02/16/kamu-alanlarinda-gunes-hasadi-solar-harvesting-in-public-spaces/
Tiryaki, A. (2026). Hybrid Fields: Agriculture and Solar Energy. https://aydintiryaki.org/2026/02/16/hibrit-tarlalar-tarim-ve-gunes-enerjisi-hybrid-fields-agriculture-and-solar-energy/
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Aydın Tiryaki 