Turkey eases rules for installing solar panels for irrigation

Rooftop solar panels for self-consumption and photovoltaic systems of up to 125 square meters for irrigation purposes in villages and nonresidential areas can now be built in Turkey without construction licenses and occupancy permits.

The Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change changed the zoning regulation for areas that don’t have a detailed urban plan. The procedure for the construction of small photovoltaic systems has been simplified – those that are intended for irrigation and rooftop solar panels won’t require construction licenses and occupancy permits anymore.

The new rule applies to villages and nonresidential areas. Also, solar power plants for irrigation are exempted if their surface is under 125 square meters and the highest point is not above 150 centimeters from the ground. In the same category, owners can only build them on metal frames and without concrete foundations.

As for rooftop solar panels for self-consumption, they can’t extend beyond the eaves. The systems’ architectural appearance also needs to fit into the environment. The projects still require approval from the provincial or regional agriculture and forestry authority.