Guide to Solar Power Investments: Incentives, Loans, and Payback Processes
Renewable energy investments are not only essential for the environment but also play a strategic role in reducing long-term operational costs for businesses.
However, for many companies looking to establish a solar power plant (SPP), one key question stands out: “How do I finance it?”
The good news is that with both government-backed incentives and private financing models, today’s investment can easily become tomorrow’s profit.
Why Are Solar Power Investments Growing Rapidly?
🔹 As of 2024, Turkey’s total installed solar energy capacity has reached 12.3 GW.
🔹 The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources aims to increase this capacity to 53 GW by 2035.
🔹 In 2023 alone, more than 5,000 businesses applied for solar power plants.
🔹 The main reason for this growth: the payback period for solar energy investments has dropped to as low as 4–6 years (according to TÜREB and EPDK data).
Government Supports and Incentives
There are various incentive mechanisms available for solar power plant (GES) investments:
✅ VAT Exemption: A 0% VAT rate may be applied to GES installation and equipment.
✅ Customs Duty Exemption: Tax exemptions are granted for panels and equipment imported from abroad.
✅ Investment Incentive Certificate: When obtained for a GES project, this provides additional benefits such as tax reductions and employer’s share of social security premium support.
✅ YEKA Mini GES Tenders: Offers allocation and capacity support for small-scale projects.
Bank and Private Financing Models
Today, many banks and financial institutions offer special loan packages for solar power plant (GES) investments.
🔹 Loan terms generally range from 5 to 10 years.
🔹 Interest rates are structured in line with the project’s payback period.
In addition, through agreements with EPC companies such as Investa Energy, it is possible to benefit from payment terms of up to 1 year.
Payback Period in Solar Power Plants: When Does the Investment Pay for Itself?
While this period varies depending on the enterprise’s energy consumption profile, the quality of equipment used, and the regional sunlight duration:
📍 Across Türkiye, the average payback period is between 4–6 years.
📍 In the Southeastern and Mediterranean regions, this period can drop to as low as 3.5 years.
Since solar power plants operate for at least 25 years, the 15–20 years after the investment pays for itself essentially mean electricity production at almost zero cost.
Conclusion: Financing Is Not a Barrier, It’s an Opportunity
Switching to solar energy is no longer a decision that requires high capital. With the right financing model, incentives, and strategy, making this investment offers significant advantages both environmentally and economically.
If You’re Considering a Solar Power Investment, You’re in the Right Place
At Investa Energy, we analyze your business’s consumption profile, create the most suitable financing plan for you, and manage the process on a turnkey basis.
Contact us today, and let’s turn your high energy bills into solar power.
